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VHAT  follows  is  a  modest  at- 
tempt to  set  forth  in  a  crude  way 
\the  part  the  THIRTY-NINTH 
INFANTRY  played  in  the  World  War. 
Numerous  photographs  and  sketches  are 
reproduced  with  the  hope  that  they  will 
recall  to  mind  in  after  years  many  of  the 
lighter  as  well  as  the  more  serious  expe- 
riences undergone.  All  sketches  are  by 
Lieutenant  Carlos  Harrison,  Thirty- 
ninth  Infantry.  Photographs  of  our 
troops  in  action  and  on  the  march  were 
made  by  the  Eighth  Field  Signal  Bat- 
talion and  are  published  by  permission  of 
the  Signal  Corps. 

Robert  B.  Cole, 

Major,    Thirty-ninth   Infantry 

•    Barnard  Eberlin, 

Captain,  Thirty-ninth  Infantry 

Editors 


M138803 


COPYRIGHTED  IN  NINE- 
TEEN HUNDREDNINETEEN 
by  COL.  FRANK  C.  BOLLES,  U.  S.  A. 
COMMANDING  THE  THIRTY- 
NINTH  INFANTRY  IN  ACTION 
DURING    THE    WORLD    WAR 


National  and  Regimental  Colors 


THE     TEX     FOLLOWING    CHAPTERS 

BRIEFLY  DESCRIBE  THE  EFFORTS  OF 

THE    THIRTY-NINTH    INFANTRY 

IN   THE  WORLD  WAR 


First  Edition 


The  Thirty-ninth  in  the 
United  States 

THE  Thirty-ninth  Regiment  of  Infantry  is  not  an  old  organ- 
ization— its  history  does  not  go  back  to  the  days  of  the  Civil 
or  Spanish-American  Wars.  Its  fame,  glory  and  reputa- 
tion was  solely  made  by  the  officers  and  men  who  had  been  as- 
sociated with  the  Regiment  since  its  birth  during  the  World 
War.  In  fact  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  is  just  a  little  over  two 
years  old,  having  been  officially  organized  on  June  i,  1917,  at 
the  State  Fair  Grounds,  Syracuse,  New  York.  In  compliance 
with  instructions  from  the  War  Department,  the  Thirtieth  U.  S. 
Infantry  was  divided  into  three  parts;  one  remaining  with  the 
parent  organization,  and  the  other  two  forming  skeletons  for  the 
Thirty-eighth  and  the  Thirty-ninth  Regiments  respectively. 
Colonel  A.  P.  Buffington,  of  the  Thirtieth,  retained  command  of 
the  three  organizations  until  regimental  commanders  were  desig- 
nated for  the  two  new  regiments.  In  the  middle  of  July  Colonel 
William  C.  Bennett  became  Regimental  Commander  of  the 
Thirty-ninth  Infantry.  The  Regiment  was  at  first  comprised 
of  only  a  few  officers  and  men,  consequently  its  early  days  were 
devoted  to  organization.  As  recruits  arrived,  the  strength  of  the 
Thirty-ninth  increased  to  an  average  of  three  officers  and  sixty 
men  per  company,  and  preliminary  training  was  commenced  and 
continued  throughout  the  summer  months. 

On  October  27th,  the  Regiment  entrained  for  Camp  Greene, 
near  Charlotte,  N.  C,  arriving  there  on  October  30th.  After 
getting  settled,  training  was  immediately  resumed,  although  the 
shortage  of  officers  and  men  retarded  the  progress  materially.  At 
the  close  of  the  Second  Officers'  Training  Camps  a  full  quota  of 
officers  was  assigned  to  the  Regiment,  but  the  enlisted  personnel 
still  remained  far  below  the  authorized  strength. 

1 1 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IX      THE      WORLD      WAR 

In  December,  1917,  the  War  Department  directed  this  Regi- 
ment to  become  a  part  of  the  Seventh  Infantry  Brigade,  Fourth 
Division,  which  was  then  in  the  process  of  organization  at  Camp 
Greene.  Little  did  we  realize  then  what  an  important  part  the 
Thirty-ninth  Infantry  was  to  play  in  the  Great  War,  not  only  as 
a  unit  of  the  Ivy  Division,  but  acting  independently  as  well. 
However,  the  wonderful  spirit  of  pride  in  the  organization  and 
determination  to  succeed  wTas  evidenced  by  all  ranks  from  the 
start,  and  with  such  a  spirit  the  Regiment  was  carried  through  its 
hard  period  of  organization  and  training,  and  its  subsequent 
glorious  career  at  the  battle  front. 

The  early  period  of  training  was  handicapped  in  numerous 
ways.  The  winter  of  191 7- 19 18  at  Camp  Greene  was  one  of  the 
coldest  on  record  in  that  section  of  the  country.  The  officers  and 
men  lived  in  tents,  and  the  camp  was  practically  a  sea  of  sticky 
mud  throughout  the  winter  and  spring.  In  consequence,  little 
could  be  accomplished  in  the  way  of  training,  except  indoor 
instruction. 

Specialists'  schools  were  established  throughout  the  Division, 
and  instructors  from  the  American  and  Allied  armies  conducted 
courses  in  the  special  wreapons  used  in  this  war.  Officers  and 
non-commissioned  officers  attended  these  schools,  and  later  in- 
structed their  own  units  in  the  various  specialties.  Several 
officers  were  also  sent  to  the  Infantry  School  of  Arms,  at  Fort 
Sill,  Oklahoma,  where  extensive  courses  in  infantry  arms  were 
taught,  and  the  successful  graduates  of  this  school  later  became 
instructors  in  the  Division  and  Regimental  schools.  However, 
the  Regiment  remained  far  below  the  authorized  strength  until 
early  in  March,  191 8,  when  troops  from  almost  every  National 
Army  camp  in  the  country  arrived  and  were  assigned  to  the 
Regiment;  when  we  sailed  overseas  the  Thirty-ninth  was  com- 
posed of  men  from  every  State  in  the  Union. 

On  April  9,  1918,  Colonel  Frank  C.  Bolles  arrived  from  the 
Hawaiian  Islands  and  assumed  command  of  the  Regiment.  The 
usual  spirit,  energy  and  force,  which  are  so  characteristic  of  the 
Colonel,  were  immediately  taken  up  by  all  ranks,  and  the  mold 
of  the  Thirty-ninth  was  cast.  The  result  is  now  known  to  all — 
our  Regiment  is  the  Army's  finest. 

The  persistent  rumors  which  had  been  in  circulation  for  some 
time — that  the  Fourth  Division  was  to  sail  overseas — began  to 
materialize  in  the  middle  part  of  April,  when  steps  were  taken  to 
prepare  the  Regiment  for  the  big  journey,  and  towards  the  latter 

12 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

part  of  the  month  the  glad  news  had  been  made  known  that  move- 
ment orders  were  actually  received.  On  April  26th  and  27th  the 
Regiment  entrained  for  Camp  Mills,  L.  I.,  N.  Y.,  arriving  there 
at  the  end  of  a  thirty  hour  journey.  On  April  29th  an  ad- 
vance party  of  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers  from  the 
Regiment  sailed  from  Hoboken,  some  as  our  advance  agents, 
who  met  us  on  our  arrival  in  France;  others  to  attend  various 
specialists'  schools,  who  rejoined  us  a  few  months  later. 

During  our  stay  at  Camp  Mills  we  received  replacements, 
eliminating  men  who  were  for  physical  or  other  reasons  unfit  for 
overseas  service;  drew  new  clothing  and  equipment,  and  made 
final  preparations  for  the  trip  across.  The  officers  and  men  were 
granted  permission  to  visit  New  York,  and  many  of  them  saw 
that  great  city  for  the  last  time  for  many  months  to  come — and 
some  forever. 

At  six  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  May  8th,  "I"  Company  and 
the  Supply  Company  sailed  from  Hoboken  on  board  the  Es- 
pagne,  and  exactly  two  days  later  the  remainder  of  the  Regiment 
cleared  the  same  port,  Regimental  Headquarters,  Headquar- 
ters Company  and  Machine  Gun  Company  aboard  the  Duca 
D'Aosta,  First  and  Second  Battalions  on  the  Dante  Alghieri,  and 
the  Third  Battalion  (less  "I"  Company)  on  the  Lenope.  An 
interesting  fact  of  this  trip  of  the  Duca  D'Aosta  was  that  it  was 
an  Italian  boat,  in  charge  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  fitted  out  by  Eng- 
lish contractors,  transporting  American  troops,  with  an  infantry 
colonel  (Colonel  Bolles)  in  command  of  troops  of  an  artillery 
regiment.  The  Sixteenth  Field  Artillery  which  accompanied 
us  on  this  trip  proved  to  be  very  pleasant  companions,  and  the 
cordial  relationship  then  established  ripened  into  mutual  ad- 
miration and  friendship  between  the  two  regiments.  It  was  this 
same  regiment  which  was  to  give  us  such  gallant  support  in  the 
actions  in  which  both  regiments  took  part  later. 

As  the  ships  silently  left  their  berths,  the  troops  stayed  below 
decks,  undoubtedly  occupied  with  mingled  feelings  and  thoughts 
of  the  past,  present,  but  more  than  anything  else — the  future. 
They  were  off  towards  the  Great  Adventure,  and  as  the  dark, 
sinister  hulls  gained  speed,  moving  quietly  over  the  waters  east- 
ward, the  first  phase  of  the  existence  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry 
came  to  a  close,  and  henceforth  we  became  a  part  of  the  now 
famous  American  Expeditionary  Forces. 

13 


xv\  r 


Chaptkp.  II 


Our  Early  Days  in  France 

WE  were  very  fortunate  in  having  had  excellent  weather 
during  our  entire  trip  across  the  Atlantic,  and  sea-sick- 
ness was  confined  to  but  a  few  men.  Life  aboard  ship 
was  far  from  strenuous,  in  fact  it  was  a  vacation  for  us,  who  had 
spent  months  in  intensive  training  under  very  trying  conditions, 
and  were  to  spend  many  more  under  actual  battle  conditions  in 
France.  Lifeboat  and  fire  drills  were  held  daily,  and  occasion- 
ally several  times  per  day.  Every  officer  and  man  was  assigned 
to  a  lifeboat  or  a  liferaft,  and  when  the  signal  for  either  boat  or 
fire  drill  was  given,  every  one  would  go  by  the  most  direct  route 
to  his  proper  station.  Some  of  our  men  took  turns  as  assistants 
to  the  officers  on  watch  and  proved  to  be  considerable  help 
to  the  ship's  tired  crew.  Within  a  few  days  every  one  was  well 
accustomed  to  the  routine  life  aboard  our  transports. 

From  the  time  we  cleared  New  York  harbor  each  of  us 
found  a  new  and  inseparable  companion  in  the  form  of  a  life 
preserver,  which  we  wore  all  day  and  kept  close  at  hand  during 
our  sleep.  No  lights  of  any  sort  were  allowed  to  be  shown  on 
ship  at  night,  hence  all  port  holes,  doors.,  etc.,  were  carefully 
closed  or  screened,  and  smoking  on  decks  at  night  was  prohibited. 
All  these  precautions  were  absolutely  necessary,  for  we  were 
crossing  a  huge  body  of  water  infested  with  enemy  submarines, 
and  all  ranks  realized  that  their  first  objective  was  France. 

The  great  convoy  of  transports,  artfully  camouflaged,  made 
a  wonderful  sight  during  the  day  on  account  of  the  various 
formations  assumed  from  time  to  time,  and  a  very  impressive  ap- 
pearance in  the  darkness  of  the  night.  Hour  after  hour,  and  day 
after  day,  on  we  went  towards  our,  then  as  yet  unknown,  destina- 
tion. We  did  not  know  whether  we  were  to  land  in  England  or 
in  France,  but  happy  we  were  at  the  fact  that  each  hour  was 
bringing  us  closer  to  the  battlefields. 

IS 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


When  we  entered  what  was  known  as  the  "Danger  Zone" 
we  were  required  to  wear  our  life  preservers  at  all  times,  and  not 
to  undress  when  retiring.  Very  soon  after  we  entered  this  zone 
the  U.  S.  Cruiser  West  Virginia,  which  convoyed  us  thus  far, 
was  relieved  by  a  few  American  destroyers.  Upon  the  appear- 
ance of  these  small  but  powerful  and  speedy  boats  a  feeling  of 
relief  permeated  all  ranks,  and  many  a  soldier  on  board  the 
transports,  who  in  the  quietness  of  his  home  town  had  doubts  as 
to  the  necessity  of  a  large  and  powerful  navy,  had  now  all  such 
doubts  removed.  The  performances  of  these  "Sea  Dogs"  demon- 
started  to  us  one  of  the  many  important  duties,  and  the  won- 
derful efficiency  of  our  Navy.  Later  on  several  more  of  these 
destroyers  met  us,  and  we  then  entered  on  the  final  stage  of  our 
journey. 

The  entire  voyage  was  quite  uneventful,  and  it  proved  a 
pleasant  disappointment  to  us  not  to  have  encountered  enemy 
submarines.  A  little  after  midnight  on  May  22nd,  the  troops 
aboard  the  Duca  D'Aosta  experienced  a  submarine  scare.  When 
the  alarm  was  given  the  monotony  of  the  boat  drills  was  well  re- 
warded by  the  magnificent  manner  in  which  every  one  went  to 
his  post  quietly  but  quickly.  There  was  no  noise  or  confusion, 
each  man  knew  his  job  and  was  prepared  for  it,  but  the  alarm 
proved  to  be  unfounded,  and  the  doughboys  went  back  to  sleep. 
However,  the  discussions  overheard  the  following  day  were  very 
amusing,  and  some  of  the  men's  imaginations  went  so  far  as  to 
believe  that  they  had  actually  seen  the  submarine  plunge  into  the 
deep  for  the  last  time,  crew  and  all. 

Our  exultations  reached  the  climax  when  friendly  balloons 
and  aeroplanes  welcomed  us  and  when  we  caught  the  first 
glimpse  of  the  shores  of  France.  Our  dangerous  journey  across 
the  Atlantic  was  nearing  its  end — and  we  were  at  last  to  set  foot 
on  the  native  soil  of  Lafayette. 

All  vessels  transporting  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  arrived  at 
Brest  on  May  23rd,  except  the  fast  Espagne,  which  had  already 
docked  at  Bordeaux  on  May  18th.  Our  arrival  in  France  was 
saddened  by  the  death  of  Private  First  Class  James  L.  Cannon, 
of  "B"  Company,  aboard  the  Dante  Alghieri  on  May  24th,  by 
cause  of  pneumonia,  and  at  this  early  stage  of  our  stay  in  France 
we  laid  him  to  rest  in  Brest. 

After  spending  two  days  in  a  rest  camp  near  Pontanezan 
Barracks  (on  the  outskirts  of  Brest),  the  Regiment  (less  "I" 
Company   and   the   Supply  Company),   entrained   for   Calais. 

16 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


GETTING     "OVER    THERE"  - 


Cornel"!  "CHOSE   'I^B 
WHZCTTHET 
SHOOT  THE 
EEPTH 

^WTTH 


17 


THE       THIRTY -XI  NTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

During  this  journey  a  German  aeroplane  dropped  two  bombs 
near  one  of  our  trains.  Fortunately  none  of  our  troops  suffered 
casualties  from  this  raid.  Sergeant  Stanley  Norozny,  of  the 
Machine  Gun  Company,  however,  has  a  pleasant  recollection 
of  this  affair,  for  a  fragment  of  an  anti-aircraft  shell  came 
through  the  roof  of  his  car  and  penetrated  his  mess  kit. 

We  arrived  at  Calais  early  in  the  morning  on  May  28th,  and 
marched  to  an  English  rest  camp  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city, 
where  we  were  cordially  and  comfortably  received  by  the  British 
authorities.  At  this  camp  we  turned  in  to  the  Quartermaster 
surplus  clothing,  and  personal  property  was  placed  in  barrack 
bags  for  storage.  As  we  were  to  be  brigaded  with  the  British, 
our  own  rifles  and  bayonets  were  exchanged  for  British  Lee- 
Enfield  rifles  and  British  bayonets.  We  also  went  through  lach- 
rymatory gas  chambers  and  tested  out  our  new  British  gas  masks, 
which  each  man  had  carefully  fitted  to  him  by  old  war  veterans. 

At  Calais  we  were  afforded  an  opportunity  to  see  the  effects 
of  war,  and  of  a  modern  war  such  as  this  one.  Many  buildings 
were  ruined  by  aeroplane  bombs,  and  it  being  a  favorite  city  for 
air  raids,  not  a  few  enemy  bombing  planes  came  over  at  nights 
and  raided  the  city  and  vicinity.  The  anti-aircraft  guns  were 
kept  quite  busy,  and  did  excellent  work.  It  was  pathetic  to  see 
women  and  children  desert  their  homes  at  dusk  for  cellars  and 
dugouts  where  they  would  remain  overnight.  Others  would  be 
seen  standing  in  the  doorways  of  their  homes,  watching  the  skies 
carefully  and  with  anxious  ears  alert  to  detect  any  signs  of 
approaching  hostile  aircraft.  While  we  were  now  in  the  war 
zone  and  still  many  miles  from  the  front,  we  nevertheless  felt  the 
presence  of  the  enemy. 

In  the  afternoon  of  May  29th  the  Regiment  marched  a  few 
miles  from  the  rest  camp  at  Calais  to  Fontinettes  Station,  where 
it  entrained.  This  march,  while  short  in  distance,  was  neverthe- 
less one  which  is  very  memorable  to  us.  At  that  time  we  had  no 
transport  of  our  own,  and  the  men  had  to  carry  all  equipment 
on  their  person.  The  packs  contained  two  blankets,  over- 
coat, slicker,  shelter-half,  tent  pole  and  pins,  underwear,  extra 
O.  D.  shirt,  socks,  bed  sack,  mess  kit,  bacon  and  condiment  cans, 
toilet  articles,  intrenching  tool,  and  extra  pair  of  shoes.  In 
addition  to  this  heavy  pack,  each  man  carried  his  rifle,  bayonet, 
gas  mask,  steel  helmet,  cartridge  belt,  200  rounds  of  ammunition, 
and  canteen  filled  with  water.  Although  burdened  with  this 
extremely  heavy  load,  the  march  discipline  was  excellent. 

18 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

After  a  three-hour  journey,  we  detrained  at  Samer,  where  we 
were  welcomed  by  a  British  military  band,  and  had  coffee  served 
to  us.  Several  units  which  remained  at  Samer  overnight  ex- 
perienced another  night  air  raid,  which  again  brought  home  the 
grim  realities  of  war.  However,  there  were  no  casualties  incurred. 

From  Samer  another  difficult  march  was  made  to  our  new 
training  area.  Regimental  Headquarters  was  established  in 
Doudeauville,  and  the  battalions  were  billeted  in  the  nearby 
villages. 

"I"  Company  and  the  Supply  Company  entrained  at  Bor- 
deaux on  May  24th,  and  three  days  later  reached  Le  Havre. 
Here  the  Supply  Company  turned  in  much  of  the  regimental 
equipment  it  had  brought  from  the  United  States.  After  five 
days'  stay  in  Le  Havre,  the  two  companies  proceeded  by  rail  to 
Samer,  where  they  rejoined  the  Regiment  on  June  3rd. 

In  this  area  we  received  from  the  British — animals,  trans- 
port, machine  guns,  automatic  rifles,  and  ammunition.  Assisted 
by  a  staff  of  British  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers,  our 
training  started.  We  sent  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  to  American 
and  British  schools  to  specialize  in  various  subjects,  and  every 
one  got  down  to  hard  work  with  but  one  end  in  view,  and  that  was 
to  make  of  himself  as  an  efficient  part  of  the  Army  as  possible. 
On  account  of  the  activity  of  enemy  aircraft  in  this  vicinity,  it 
was  necessary  to  do  our  training  at  such  places  as  would  afford 
concealment  from  observation.  The  general  state  of  apprehen- 
sion in  the  Allied  world  that  the  Germans  would  break  through 
to  Paris,  and  the  possibility  that  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  might 
be  called  on  at  any  time  to  take  part  in  the  defense,  keyed  up  the 
training. 


'9 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


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20 


Training  in  France 

AFTER  nine  days'  stay  in  the  Doudeauville  area  we  re- 
placed the  British  equipment  (except  animals,  transport, 
and  gas  masks)  with  American,  including  the  favorite 
Springfield  rifle.  After  a  march  of  two  and  a  half  days,  the  First 
and  Second  Battalions  entrained  at  Maresquel,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  the  Regiment  at  Hesdin — for  the  Chateau-Thierry 
front  to  assist  in  the  resistance  of  the  threatened  drive  on  Paris. 
The  movement  from  the  Doudeauville  area  commenced  on  June 
9th  and  was  completed  on  June  15th,  when  the  entire  Regiment 
went  into  camp  in  the  woods  near  Acy-en-Multien. 

Here  the  Seventh  Infantry  Brigade  was  attached  for  training 
and  defense  to  the  Fourth  French  Infantry  Division.  Intensive 
training  was  at  once  resumed.  Specialists'  schools  were  estab- 
lished, and  for  the  first  time  our  men  were  given  an  opportunity 
to  fire  their  rifles  on  a  range.  As  there  was  no  range  available, 
we  at  first  used  tin  cans  tied  to  stakes  for  targets,  but  in  a  short 
time  we  constructed  an  excellent  range  which  the  Engineers  laid 
out,  and  fired  on  ranges  up  to  500  yards.  Despite  the  fact  that 
our  men  were  mostly  recruits  and  had  no  preliminary  instruction 
in  firing,  the  marksmanship  and  enthusiasm  displayed  by  them  in 
this  work  was  very  gratifying  to  all,  and  the  results  obtained  were 
surprising  to  our  own  and  the  French  officers.  We  also  sent  de- 
tachments of  officers  and  men  for  a  short  tour  of  observation  and 
instruction  with  the  Second  Division  and  also  with  the  French 
in  the  trenches. 

Our  training  schedule  was  interrupted  from  time  to  time  by 
the  so-called  "alerts,"  which  meant  that  the  Regiment  was 
marched  to,  and  took  up  position  in,  the  French  trenches  near 
the  front,  some  twelve  miles  from  our  training  area.  The 
Thirty-ninth  Infantry  sector  extended  from  the  Collinance- 
Mareuil  road,  exclusive,  to  the  cross-roads  500  meters  east  of 

21 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

the  Autheuil  Church,  exclusive,  with  Regimental  Headquarters 
at  La  Grange-aux-Bois. 

In  the  midst  of  these  preparations  the  Regiment  celebrated, 
in  historic  fashion,  Independence  Day.  The  Thirty-ninth 
Infantry  was  designated  as  one  of  the  two  Regiments  in  the  Di- 
vision to  select  a  battalion  to  be  sent  to  Paris  to  take  part  in  the 
Independence  Day  parade  participated  in  by  various  units  of 
the  Army  at  that  city.  This  provisional  battalion,  composed  of 
representatives  of  all  units  in  the  Regiment,  under  command  of 
Major  Winton,  made  a  most  creditable  showing  and  was  given 
a  royal  reception  by  the  French  people  in  their  capital.  When 
these  troops  returned  to  the  Regiment  they  found  that  their  com- 
rades had  been  sent  to  the  "alert"  positions  in  the  trenches  dur- 
ing their  absence.  Therefore,  instead  of  marching  from  the 
train  to  their  camp,  they  pushed  on  many  miles  beyond  to  take 
their  place  in  line. 

On  the  night  of  July  6th  all  units,  except  the  Third  Battalion, 
marched  back  to  camp  at  Acy-en-Multien,  while  the  Third  Bat- 
talion remained  in  the  trenches  until  July  7th,  and  then  returned 
to  the  same  camp.  During  the  Regiment's  period  of  training  in 
the  trenches  it  was  subjected  to  enemy  shell  fire.  Wagoner 
John  Lopes,  of  the  Supply  Company,  has  the  distinction  of  being 
the  first  member  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  to  be  wounded  in 
action.  While  driving  his  team  near  Thury-en-Valois,  on  July 
7th,  he  was  struck  in  the  nose  by  a  fragment  of  a  shell. 

The  appreciation  of  our  Allies  was  evidenced  by  the  follow- 
ing communication  sent  on  July  14th  by  the  Commanding  Gen- 
eral, Second  French  Army  Corps,  to  our  Brigade  Commander: 
"I  feel  sure  that  the  fine  American  Army,  which  has  already 
shown  on  the  battlefields  such  brilliant  military  qualities,  will 
contribute  to  hasten  the  day  of  the  final  victory.  I  feel  especially 
proud  to  have  under  my  command  the  Seventh  Brigade,  U.  S.  A., 
whose  fine  battalion  I  admired  last  4th  of  July;  and  I  beg  you, 
General,  to  transmit  to  your  officers  and  troops  the  wishes  which 
I  express  for  their  success  and  for  the  greatness  of  the  United 
States." 


22 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


LE  GENERAL  PHILIPOT 

le  4  juillet  1918. 
Mon  cher  General : 

Permettez-moi  de  m'associer  a  vous  en  ce  jour  ou  vous  fetez  l'inde- 
pendance  des  Etats-Unis. 

Mon  coeur  de  Frangais  bat  a  l'unisson  du  votre:  n'est-ce  pas  aussi 
pour  notre  independance  que  nous  combattons  depuis  quatre  ans,  n'est  ce 
pas  pour  nous  aider  dans  cette  besogne  sacree  que  vous  etes  accourus  pour 
partager  notre  sort? 

C'est  pourquoi  j'unis  dans  une  meme  pensee  et  dans  une  meme 
affection  nos  deux  pays  luttant  pour  le  meme  ideal  de  justice  et  de 
liberte. 

Veuillez  agreer,  mon  cher  General,  l'expression  des  vrpux  ardents 
que  je  forme  pour  la  gloire  et  le  succes  de  votre  belle  brigade  et  de  son 
chef  et  celle  de  mes  sentiments  de  haute  consideration. 

Philipot, 
Commandant  le  2  me  Corps  d'Armee. 

Note: — An  appropriate  reply  was  at  once  sent  by  the  Commanding 
General,  Seventh  Infantry  Brigade. — B.  A.  P. 


(To  Brig.  Gen.  Poore). 
(Translation) 

GENERAL  PHILIPOT 

My  dear  General : 

Permit  me  to  join  you  on  this  day  when  you  celebrate  the  Inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States. 

My  French  heart  beats  in  unison  with  yours;  is  it  not  for  our  in- 
dependence that  we  have  fought  for  four  years?  Is  it  not  to  help  us  in 
this  sacred  cause  that  you  have  come  to  share  our  fortunes? 

That  is  why  I  unite  in  the  same  thought  and  in  the  same  affection 
our  two  countries  fighting  for  the  same  ideals  of  Justice  and  Liberty. 

Please  accept,  my  dear  General,  the  expression  of  my  sincere  wishes 
for  the  glory  and  success  of  your  splendid  Brigade  and  for  its  chief,  and 
my  sentiments  of  high  consideration. 

Philipot, 
Commanding  Second  Army  Corps- 

23 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


HEADQUARTERS 

SEVENTH  INFANTRY  BRIGADE 

AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  14th  July,  1918. 

My  dear  General  Philipot: 

Permit  me  to  extend  to  you,  on  behalf  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
Seventh  Infantry  Brigade,  our  felicitations  and  best  wishes  on  the  occa- 
sion of  your  national  holiday. 

It  is  fitting  that  France  and  the  United  States,  the  greatest  republics 
in  the  world,  should  be  engaged  and  united  in  an  effort  to  maintain  for 
mankind  Liberty  and  Independence. 

We  regard  it  an  honor  to  serve  under  your  command,  and  we  hope 
we  shall  not  be  found  wanting  in  any  duty  we  may  be  called  upon  to 
perform. 

With  the  hope  that  your  beautiful  country  will  soon  be  rid  of  the 
presence  of  an  enemy,  I  remain, 

Sincerely  yours, 

B.  A.  Poore. 

To 

General  Philipot, 

Commanding  Second  French  Army  Corps. 


24 


IS 


CHAPTh'.U.  IV 


Advance  Towards  the  Vesle  River 

ABOUT  8 130  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  July  15th,  after  a  very 
hard  day  on  the  target  range,  orders  were  received  to  move 
"  up  to  the  second  line  (French)  positions.  The  Regiment 
moved  forward,  going  into  camp  at  ha  Villeneuve-sous-T  hury 
and  Thury-en-Valois,  with  Regimental  Headquarters  at  ha 
Grange-aux-Bois  Ferme.  This  was  the  same  area  occupied  by 
the  Regiment  when  previously  ordered  to  the  "alert"  position. 
During  the  entire  day  units  of  the  Second  Division  Artillery  had 
been  passing  Acy  on  their  way  to  the  Soissons  front.  It  was 
evident  to  all  that  the  Regiment  was  soon  to  see  action. 

On  the  following  day  the  regimental,  battalion  and  company 
commanders,  the  first  two  accompanied  by  their  staffs,  were 
ordered  to  Autheuil-en-V  alois  (Headquarters  of  the  Thirty- 
third  French  Division)  to  make  a  reconnaissance  of  the  front 
line.  The  night  of  July  16th  was  spent  by  battalion  and  com- 
pany commanders  in  reconnoitering  the  sectors  assigned  their 
units.  The  Second  Battalion  was  assigned  the  area  of  Troesnes 
and  Silly-la-Poterie.  That  night  "F"  and  "G"  Companies  went 
into  position,  "F"  Company  at  Silly-la-Poterie  and  "G"  Com- 
pany at  hes  Heureux  Ferme.  The  night  following,  July  17th, 
the  Regiment  completed  the  relief  of  the  Ninth  and  Eleventh 
French  Infantry  Regiments.  The  sector  occupied  extended  from 
the  Ourcq  River  north,  along  the  eastern  edge  of  Troesnes,  across 
the  Savieres  River,  to  the  heights  west  of  the  river  at  Faverolles, 
exclusive.  Each  battalion  placed  two  companies  in  the  front 
line  and  two  in  support.  The  Second  Battalion  was  on  the  right 
between  the  Ourcq  and  Savieres  Rivers,  with  "E"  Company  on 
the  east  edge  of  Troesnes,  its  right  on  the  river;  "H"  Company 
on  left  of  "E,"  with  its  left  prolonging  the  line  into  the  quarry 
marked  "Garr."  "F"  Company  was  in  the  Savieres  valley  in 
support  of  "H",  and  "G"  Company  was  in  the  Ourcq  valley  in 

25 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

support  of  "E."  The  Thirty-ninth  Machine  Gun  Company  was 
assigned  to  the  Second  Battalion.  The  Third  Battalion  with 
one  company  of  the  Eleventh  M.  G.  Battalion,  occupied  the 
center  of  the  regimental  sector  from  the  west  bank  of  the  Savieres 
River  in  prolongation  of  the  Second  Battalion  line.  "M"  and 
"K"  Companies  were  in  the  front  line  with  "I"  and  "L"  Com- 
panies in  support. 

The  First  Battalion  and  one  company  of  the  Eleventh  M.  G. 
Battalion  held,  as  its  sector,  from  Bucket  Bridge  on  the  right 
to  Oigny  Road,  inclusive.  "A"  and  "B"  Companies  occupied 
the  front  line,  supported  by  "C"  and  "D"  Companies  on  the 
reverse  slope  of  the  hill  200  yards  to  the  rear.  The  relief  was 
made  with  great  difficulty  due  to  the  darkness  of  the  night. 
Owing  to  the  blinding  rain  the  men  were  compelled  to  hold  on 
to  one  another  while  following  the  French  guides  up  to  the  posts 
in  the  trenches. 

With  the  occupation  of  the  new  position  as  yet  incomplete, 
orders  were  received  during  the  night  to  attack  early  the  next 
morning.  The  attack  was  to  be  made  in  conjunction  with  the 
French  for  the  purpose  of  capturing  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes  im- 
mediately to  the  front.  In  the  plan  of  attack,  the  French  were 
to  advance  north  across  the  Ourcq  River  to  Noroy,  and  east  from 
Faverolles  across  the  Savieres  River,  so  as  to  complete  a  "pincer" 
movement  between  Ancienville  and  Noroy.  The  zero  hour  for 
the  French  attack  was  4:35  a.  m.,  while  the  Thirty-ninth  was  to 
attack  on  orders  expected  approximately  one  hour  later.  The 
mission  of  the  Thirty-ninth  was  to  mop  up  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes 
and  consolidate  its  eastern  edge. 

At  4:35  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  French  laid  down  a 
heavy  artillery  barrage.  The  men  of  the  Thirty-ninth,  who  had 
never  before  been  in  a  front  line  trench,  listened  to  the  incessant 
whistling  of  shells  over  their  heads,  and  impatiently  awaited 
orders  to  go  over  the  top.  The  lines  in  this  sector  were,  at  most, 
only  four  or  five  hundred  yards  apart.  The  Germans  promptly 
replied  to  the  French  bombardment  with  so  severe  a  counter 
barrage  of  artillery  and  trench  mortars  that  communication 
became  very  difficult.  It  was  only  by  exposing  themselves  to 
what  seemed  certain  death  that  runners  maintained  liaison  be- 
tween the  different  units.  Not  until  the  afternoon  did  this  enemy 
barrage  slacken,  and  in  the  attack,  as  is  often  the  case,  the  ex- 
ecution was  far  different  from  the  original  plan.  The  French 
cautiously  refused  to  allow  all  three  battalions  to  go  forward, 

26 


THE      THIRTY -NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

despite  numerous  protests  from  the  Regimental  Commander. 
On  the  left  the  First  Battalion  was  ordered  to  attack  at  eight 
o'clock,  while  the  Third  Battalion  did  not  move  forward  until 
one  o'clock.  On  the  right,  the  Second  Battalion  had  to  wait 
until  late  in  the  afternoon  before  it  started  its  attack. 

Peculiar  and  unexpected  difficulties  confronted  the  First 
Battalion.  In  its  immediate  front  was  the  Savieres  River,  a 
narrow  but  deep  stream  with  a  quicksand  and  soft  mud  bottom. 
The  banks  on  either  side  were  marshy.  A  few  men  waded 
through,  but  practically  the  entire  battalion  moved  forward  in  a 
thin  line  and  crossed  on  logs  which  had  been  thrown  across  the 
stream.  The  movement  was  a  success  because  of  its  surprise  to 
the  enemy.  The  Germans'  main  resistance  was  facing  the 
Ourcq  River  and  not  the  Savieres,  and  was  directed  on  the  south- 
ern, not  the  western,  edge  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes.  A  German 
sergeant  captured  later  in  the  day  stated  that  the  Germans  did 
not  think  the  Americans  would  be  reckless  enough  to  attack  over 
the  swampy  Savieres,  and  had  the  greater  part  of  their  machine 
guns  directed  on  the  Ourcq  River. 

While  ascending  the  hill  beyond  the  river  the  Regiment 
captured  its  first  machine  gun.  German  machine  gunners, 
camouflaged  in  a  wood  pile,  opened  fire  on  the  left  flank  of  "A" 
Company.  Sergeant  Robert  D.  Winters  discovered  the  nest, 
rushed  it,  throwing  a  hand  grenade.  The  wood  pile  fell  over, 
disclosing  the  startled  gunners,  who  before  they  could  throw  up 
their  hands  were  riddled  with  bullets. 

Another  machine  gun  met  in  the  day's  advance  was  in  a 
miniature  glass  house  with  sliding  windows,  built  in  the  top  of  a 
tree.  The  gunner  was  quiet,  waiting  for  the  front  line  to  pass  so 
that  he  might  open  fire  from  the  rear.  One-half  of  a  company 
had  passed  the  tree  without  noticing  the  gun,  when  it  was  dis- 
covered by  Private  Fritz  Carlson  of  "A"  Company,  who  calmly 
placed  his  rifle  to  his  shoulder,  rested  against  a  tree  and  fired;  the 
enemy  gunner  pitched  forward,  headlong  to  the  ground. 

The  First  Battalion  had  orders  to  clear  the  left  or  northern 
half  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes.  After  moving  out  in  the  morn- 
ing the  battalion  had  encountered  heavy  rifle  and  machine  gun 
fire.  This  resistance  came  principally  from  the  right  flank  at 
the  southern  edge  of  the  woods,  where  the  enemy  had  prepared 
for  an  attack  from  the  south.  As  the  Third  Battalion  was  not  to 
come  up  until  later,  two  platoons  from  "B"  and  "C"  Companies 
were  thrown  in  to  support  "A"  Company  and  cover  its  right 

27 


THE      T  H  I  R  T  Y  -  X  I  X  T  H       INFANTRY      IX      THE      WORLD      WAR 


28 


THE      THIRTY- XI  NTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

flank.  The  First  Battalion  then  charged  the  hill,  and  after  two 
hours'  hard  fighting  had  captured  one  hundred  men  and  several 
trench  mortars  and  machine  guns.  Position  for  the  night  was 
taken  up  on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes.  A  part 
of  the  battalion  occupied  a  large  German  Field  Hospital  which 
had  been  elaborately  fitted  up  with  furniture  captured  in  the 
nearby  towns. 

At  nine  o'clock  "K"  Company  crossed  the  Savieres  River, 
the  other  companies  of  the  Third  Battalion  remaining  in  posi- 
tion. At  two  o'clock  that  afternoon  the  battalion  moved  for- 
ward with  "K"  Company  on  the  right  and  "M"  Company  on  the 
left  of  the  front  line.  "I"  and  "L"  Companies  were  in  support. 
Later  "I"  Company  took  position  in  the  front  line  on  the  right. 
Moving  forward,  the  hill  directly  to  the  front  was  taken  and 
nine  machine  guns  captured.  The  battalion  continued  the  ad- 
vance until  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes  (the  regi- 
mental objective)  was  reached.  Here  the  position  was  con- 
solidated. 

Not  until  3  145  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  was  the  Second  Battal- 
ion sent  forward.  During  the  entire  morning  the  enemy  had 
kept  up  an  incessant  rifle,  machine  gun  and  artillery  fire,  to  which 
the  battalion  replied  with  rifles  and  machine  guns.  One  machine 
gun  nest  that  had  been  causing  a  great  deal  of  annoyance  was 
captured  at  noon  by  a  skillfully  led  patrol  from  "E"  Company 
under  the  command  of  Corporal  Mark  Reed.  Captain  Norton 
with  "H"  Company  put  up  a  stiff  fight  in  the  quarry  where  he 
was  stationed.  After  jumping  off,  however,  all  opposition  was 
overcome  and  the  advance  pushed  forward. 

The  "pincer"  movement  which  the  French  had  to  effect  was 
uncompleted  in  the  afternoon;  no  French  troops  were  even  ap- 
proaching Noroy  from  the  south.  Early  in  the  afternoon,  when 
the  Germans  had  stiffened  their  resistance,  the  French  expected 
a  counter  attack  in  force  and  sent  a  request  to  Colonel  Bolles  for 
assistance  in  the  vicinity  of  Noroy.  At  three  o'clock  Colonel 
Bolles  sent  word  forward  that  a  glorious  Allied  victory  had  been 
won  all  along  the  line,  and  ordered  the  Second  Battalion  to 
move  forward  on  the  right,  while  the  Third  Battalion,  with  the 
First  Battalion  in  support,  was  ordered  to  capture  Noroy.  Lieut. 
Colonel  Peck  ordered  "I"  Company  to  advance  on  Noroy,  the 
remainder  of  the  battalion  following  in  support.  Advancing 
through  heavy  enemy  artillery  fire  the  assaulting  troops  entered 
the  village,  driving  the  Germans  before  them.     Not  until  the 

29 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

eastern  edge  of  the  town  was  reached  was  there  hand-to-hand 
lighting.  Here  the  Germans  made  a  determined  stand,  but  were 
finally  routed  after  both  sides  had  suffered  many  casualties.  "I" 
Company  took  up  position  in  Noroy.  UK"  Company,  together 
with  "L"  and  "M"  Companies,  moved  up  to  a  support  position  in 
the  northeastern  edge  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes.  The  fall  of 
Noroy  closed  the  gap  between  the  French  units  on  the  right  and 
left,  and,  in  connection  with  the  cleaning  up  of  the  Buisson  de 
Cresnes,  culminated  the  French  plans  for  this  date. 

The  troops  remained  in  these  positions  during  the  night  of 
July  18-19.  At  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th 
orders  were  received  from  the  French  to  resume  the  attack  at 
four  o'clock.  The  following  objectives  were  assigned  the  Regi- 
ment: First  objective,  1  1/2  kilometers  from  the  line  of  de- 
parture, direction  of  attack  along  a  line  ten  degrees  east  of  north; 
second  objective,  along  road  Chouy-la-Sucrerie;  third  objective, 
ridge,  1  kilometer  southeast  of  the  Chouy-la-Sucrerie  road,  cov- 
ering a  front  of  1  1/4  kilometers.  For  this  attack  one  battalion 
from  the  Twentieth  French  Infantry  was  assigned  to  the  Thirty- 
ninth  and  acted  under  orders  from  Colonel  Bolles. 

In  accordance  with  the  French  order,  Colonel  Bolles  ordered 
the  Second  Battalion  and  the  Thirty-ninth  Machine  Gun  Com- 
pany, under  command  of  Major  Mitchell,  to  attack  on  a  front  of 
550  yards,  the  right  following  the  Ourcq  River.  The  Third  Bat- 
talion with  "A"  Company,  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion  and 
detachment  of  one-pounders,  Lieut.  Colonel  Peck  commanding, 
was  ordered  to  attack  on  a  550-yard  front  from  the  left  of  the 
Second  Battalion.  The  battalion  objectives  were  the  same  as  the 
regimental  objectives,  outlined  above.  In  the  capture  of  the 
third  objective  one  battalion  was  to  be  in  the  front  line  with  the 
other  two  arranged  in  depth.  The  First  Battalion,  "C"  Com- 
pany, Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion  and  a  detachment  of 
Stokes  Mortars,  under  command  of  Major  Terrell,  constituted 
the  reserve,  and  was  ordered  to  march  600  yards  in  rear  of  the 
center  of  the  first  line.  Headquarters  Company  (less  detach- 
ments) remained  with  Regimental  Headquarters.  No  advance 
was  to  be  made  beyond  the  third  objective  except  upon  additional 
orders  from  the  Regimental  Commander.  The  Second  Battal- 
ion was  designated  as  the  base  battalion;  the  rate  of  march,  no 
yards  in  three  minutes;  the  direction  of  march,  45  minutes  south 
of  east.  The  axis  of  liaison  was  to  be  along  the  Troesnes-Noroy 
road ;  all  trains  were  to  be  left  until  further  orders.     Regimental 

30 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

Headquarters  was  to  be  at  Troesnes  before  the  capture  of  the 
first  objective,  thereafter  at  Noroy.    The  zero  hour  was  4  a.  m. 
Great  difficulty  was  experienced  in  getting  the  order  dis- 
tributed to  the  troops  in  sufficient  time  for  the  beginning  of 
the  movement.     Despite  this  the  attack  was  begun  as  directed. 
It  was  discovered  later,  however,  that  the  French  troops  on  the 
left  which  were  to  attack  at  the  same  hour  had  not  received  their 
orders  in  time  to  enable  them  to  follow  the  barrage.     In  conse- 
quence of  this  the  French  order  for  the  attack  was  delayed  one 
hour.     Unfortunately,  this  information  did  not  reach  us  in  time 
to  stop  our  movement.  The  French  barrage  which  was  scheduled 
to  start  at  four  o'clock  did  not  actually  begin  until  one  hour  later. 
As  a  result  of  this  delay  our  line,  which  had  already  begun  the 
advance,  was  caught  in  the  barrage  and  suffered  many  casualties. 
It  was  apparent  to  the  troops  that  something  had  gone  wrong, 
and  that  the  fire  from  which  they  suffered  was  their  own  artillery. 
Although  this  was  only  their  second  experience  in  battle,  their 
morale  was  unshaken,  and  the  advance  continued  as  soon  as  the 
barrage  passed. 

At   four  o'clock  the  Third   Battalion   with   "I"    and   "L" 
Companies   in   the   front   line,    "K"    and   "M"    Companies   in 
support,   advanced   from  Noroy  without  artillery  preparation 
and  captured  a  battery  of  enemy  artillery  in  the  gulch  to  the 
northeast  of  the  town.     Later  the  battalion  was  caught  in  the 
French  barrage  and  suffered  casualties.    Nevertheless,  as  soon  as 
the  barrage  passed,  the  troops  moved  forward  until  held  up  by 
machine  gun  nests  in  a  wheat  field  to  the  front.     Two  nests  were 
directly  in  front,  one  on  the  left  flank  and  two  on  the  right  flank. 
Those  in  front  and  on  the  left  flank  were  wiped  out  by  rifle  fire, 
and  the  two  on  the  right  were  destroyed  by  a  platoon  from  "L" 
Company.     This  platoon,  led  by  Lieutenant  Notrand,  charged 
across  the  open  field  with  fixed  bayonets  and  cleaned  out  the  nest, 
killing  the  machine  gunners  at  their  guns.     The  wheat  field  was 
a  net  work  of  signal  wires,  which  when  disturbed  invariably 
brought  on  an  intense  enemy  machine  gun  fire.     Having  cleared 
out  the  machine  gun  nests  the  advance  was  continued  until  the 
Chouy-La  Sucrerie   road  was  crossed.      Here   positions  were 
established  on  the  final  objective  as  shown  on  the  map. 

The  advance  of  the  Second  Battalion  was  over  very  difficult 
terrain — marshes,  hills,  woods  and  the  winding  valley  of  the 
Ourcq.  "E"  Company  was  on  the  right  and  "H"  Company  on 
the  left  of  the  assault  line,  with  "G"  Company  on  the  right  and 

3i 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

aF"  Company  on  the  left  in  support.  The  Germans  began  a 
heavy  shelling  of  the  area  adjacent  to  the  road  running  south  of 
Noroy  as  soon  as  the  assault  line  reached  it.  aH"  Company, 
nearest  the  river,  advanced  through  dense  woods  and  was  unable 
to  keep  abreast  of  "E"  Company,  which  continued  the  advance 
into  a  swamp,  followed  by  "G"  Company.  Very  soon  it  was 
found  necessary  to  move  the  two  companies  out  of  the  swamp. 
They  were  suffering  from  German  machine  gun  fire  from  the 
front,  and  our  artillery  fire  from  the  rear.  Lieutenant  Gluck- 
man  led  "E"  Company  (less  one  platoon)  well  to  the  front  and 
silenced  three  machine  gun  nests. 

Major  Mitchell,  the  Battalion  Commander,  with  a  platoon 
from  "E"  Company,  supported  by  Sergeant  Curran's  machine 
gun  section  and  "G"  Company,  and  with  such  other  men  as  he 
had  gathered  together  while  waiting  in  the  swamp,  pushed  on  to 
a  point  nearly  south  of  Chouy.  While  making  this  advance,  the 
platoon  from  "E"  Company  led  by  Lieutenant  Davidson  silenced 
four  machine  guns  in  the  woods  and  field  to  the  front.  West  of 
an  old  mill,  Moulin  de  Croutes,  much  machine  gun  fire  was  en- 
countered. At  about  the  same  time  a  line  of  Germans  advanced 
over  the  ridge  east  of  the  Moulin  de  Croutes.  When  fire  was 
opened  on  them  they  retreated  down  the  valley  of  the  Ourcq  and 
surrendered  to  the  French.  As  the  advance  continued  the  Ger- 
mans retreated  with  their  machine  guns  to  the  shelter  of  the 
mill,  a  massive  stone  tower.  Efforts  were  made  to  obtain  artil- 
lery fire  on  the  tower,  and  the  lines  were  drawn  back  slightly  for 
this  purpose.  In  the  meantime  automatic  rifle  teams  from  "G" 
Company  worked  around  to  the  rear  of  the  mill  to  intercept  the 
Germans  when  they  should  be  driven  out  by  the  bombardment. 
The  artillery  failed  to  respond  and  the  Second  Battalion  con- 
tinued the  advance  with  the  Third  Battalion.  On  reaching  the 
mill  it  was  found  that  the  Germans  had  slipped  out  and  sur- 
rendered to  the  French  in  the  valley.  The  Second  Battalion 
halted  on  the  third  objective  and  consolidated  its  position  in 
support  of  the  Third  Battalion. 

On  the  left  of  the  Third  Battalion,  with  "C"  and  "D"  Com- 
panies in  the  front  line,  "B"  Company  in  support  and  "A"  Com- 
pany in  reserve,  the  First  Battalion  moved  forward.  Clearing 
the  edge  of  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes  at  four  o'clock,  the  advance 
was  continued  to  the  road  running  north  from  Noroy,  where  it 
was  held  up  for  one  hour  by  our  barrage.  Bearing  to  the  left  the 
battalion  continued  the  forward  movement  until  a  wheat  field  on 

32 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


33 


THE       THIRTY-  N  IN  TH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


the  top  of  a  hill  was  reached.  Here  it  was  temporarily  halted 
by  heavy  enemy  machine  gun  and  artillery  fire,  until  the  machine 
guns  could  be  wiped  out.  In  cleaning  up  the  machine  gun  nests 
a  number  of  casualties  were  suffered.  Moving  forward,  after 
silencing  the  machine  guns,  the  battalion  advanced  through  the 
artillery  fire,  reaching  Chouy  late  in  the  afternoon.  "B,"  "C" 
and  "D"  Companies  remained  in  the  village  for  the  night,  "A" 
Company  taking  up  a  position  in  rear  of  the  bluff  to  the  south  of 
the  town. 

During  the  night  of  July  I9th-20th  the  Regiment  was  relieved 
and  returned  to  the  Buisson  de  Borny  for  a  rest.  The  march  back 
was  made  through  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes  to  Chateau  Silly,  La 
Poterie,  Silly-la-Poterie,  through  La  Ferte-Milon,  arriving  at 
Buisson  de  Borny  Monday  morning.  Tuesday,  Regimental 
Headquarters  was  established  at  St.  Quentin.  Wednesday  night 
orders  were  received  to  march  again  and  to  be  in  reserve  positions 
on  a  general  line  from  St.  Croix  to  Crissoles  at  eight  o'clock  the 
next  morning.  At  one  o'clock  the  Regiment  started  via  St. 
Quentin,  Dammar  J,  Neuilly  St.  Front,  Latilly,  reaching  our 
destination  at  the  designated  hour.  While  passing  Neuilly  a 
German  aviator  flew  over  and  after  a  game  fight  set  fire  to  three 
French  observation  balloons. 

With  the  other  units  of  the  Seventh  Infantry  Brigade,  the 
Thirty-ninth  was  assigned  as  a  reserve  of  the  VI  Army.  On 
July  22nd  the  Seventh  Brigade  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Commanding  General  Fourth  Division.  For  the  first  time  the 
Fourth  Division  was  now  going  into  battle  under  its  own  com- 
mander. As  the  Germans  were  pushed  back  to  the  north  and 
east,  our  advance  was  made  via  Brecy,  Artois  Ferme,  Beuvardes, 
Four  a  Verre  to  the  Foret  de  Fere.  A  day  and  night  were  spent 
near  Artois  Ferme.  Here  the  troops  were  camped  in  a  wooded 
area  and  were  very  much  crowded.  This  stay  here  will  be  re- 
membered by  all  on  account  of  the  numerous  false  "gas  alarms" 
given.  The  Regiment  remained  in  the  Foret  de  Fere  until 
August  1st,  taking  up  and  strongly  consolidating  a  position  on 
the  northern  edge  of  the  woods  as  reserve  to  the  Forty-second 
(Rainbow)  Division.  While  here  the  Regiment  was  subjected 
to  heavy  hostile  artillery  fire  and  suffered  many  casualties. 

On  August  1  st  the  Forty-seventh  Infantry  of  our  Division, 
which  was  also  supporting  the  Forty-second  Division,  advanced 
in  full  view  and  captured  Sergy ;  the  Forty-second  Division  also 
advanced,  capturing  Cierges.     At  eight  o'clock  that  night  the 

34 


THE       THIRTY- XI  NTH       IX  FAN  TRY      IX       THE      WORLD      WAR 

Regiment  was  taking  up  new  positions  in  the  Foret  de  Fere,  pre- 
paratory to  the  advance  the  next  day.  The  First  Battalion  was  in 
column  of  twos,  the  platoons  ready  to  move,  when  a  bombing 
plane  came  over.  Flying  almost  on  a  line  with  the  column,  the 
aviator  dropped  a  string  of  bombs  so  rapidly  that  the  separate 
explosions  could  not  be  distinguished.  The  resulting  scene  of 
death  and  horror  was  worse  than  battle.  Every  company  in  the 
battalion  was  hit,  the  total  casualties  amounting  to  27  killed  and 
94  wounded. 

Apparently  the  success  of  the  enemy  aviator  was  altogether 
accidental.  He  was  searching  for  a  battery  of  artillery  which 
had  done  much  damage  during  the  day,  and  hovered  for  more 
than  two  hours  over  the  woods,  dropping  bombs  wherever  he 
had  reason  to  believe  the  artillery  might  be  concealed. 


35 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

2  me  Corps  d'Armee. 
Etat-Major,  ler  Bureau  No.  2972  C. 

Au  Q.  G.,  le  23  juillet  1918. 
ORDRE  No.  262. 
La  7  me  Brigade  Americaine  cesse  de  faire  partie  du  2  me  Corps 
d'armee. 

Le  General  tient  a  luf  exprimer  ses  remerciments  pour  l'aide  precieuse 
qu'elle  lui  a  apportee  et  a  lui  adresser  au  nom  de  tous,  ses  meilleurs  voeux 
pour  la  poursuite  de  sa  glorieuse  carriere. 

Le  General  et  les  troupes  du  2  me  Corps  n'oublieront  pas  le  bel 
entrain  et  la  bravoure  de  leurs  camarades  americains  au  cours  de  la 
bataille ;  ils  saluent  les  officiers  et  les  soldats  tombes  au  Buisson  de  Cresnes 
et  a  Noroy. 

Les  fatigues  et  les  dangers  courus  en  commun  ont  fait  de  nos  allies 
d'hier  des  compagnons  d'armes  et  le  souvenir  de  la  Brigade  Poore 
doit  rester  au  2  me  Corps. 

Le  General  Commandant  le  2  me  Corps  d'  Armee. 
Philipot 
P.  A. 
Le  Chef  d' Etat-Major 
Rousseau 

(  Translation) 

Second  Army  Corps, 
General  Staff,  First  Bureau,  No.  2972  C. 
Headquarters,  July  23,  1918. 

ORDER  NO.  262 
The  Seventh  American  Brigade  ceases  to  be  a  part  of  the  Second 
Army  Corps. 

The  General  wishes  to  extend  to  it  his  thanks  for  the  timely  help 
it  brought  him  and  addresses  to  it  his  best  wishes  in  the  pursuit  of  its 
glorious  career. 

The  General  and  the  troops  of  the  Second  Army  Corps  will  not  for- 
get the  fine  spirit  and  bravery  of  their  American  comrades  in  the  course 
of  battle;  they  salute  the  officers  and  soldiers  who  fell  at  Buisson  de 
Cresnes  and  at  Noroy. 

The  hardships  and  dangers  suffered  in  common  have  made  of  our 
Allies  of  yesterday  comrades  in  arms,  and  the  memory  of  General  Poore 's 
Brigade  will  abide  with  the  Second  Corps. 

The  General  Commanding  the  Second  Army  Corps. 
Philipot 
Official: 
The  Adjutant  General, 
Rousseau 

36 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Grand  Quartier  General 
Des  Armees  du  Nord  et  du  Nord-Est 
Etat-Major 
Bureau  de  Personnel 
(Decorations) 

ORDRE  NO.  10.887  "D"  (EXTRAIT) 
Apres    approbation    du    General    commandant    en    chef    les    forces 
expeditionnaires    americaines    en    France,    le    General    commandant    en 
chef  les  armees  francaises  du  Nord  et  du  Nord-Est  cite  a  l'ordre  du 
Corps  d'Armee: 


39  eme  Regiment  d'Infanterie  Americaine: 
"Affecte  a  une  division  franchise  pour  tenir  le  secteur,  a  ete  appele 
a  prendre  part  a  la  bataille  le  18  juillet,  1918,  des  le  lendemain  de 
son  arrivee.  Sous  le  commandement  du  colonel  Bolles  a  fait  preuve 
en  recevant  le  bapteme  du  feu,  d'une  vaillance  admirable.  A  enleve  le 
Buisson  de  Cresnes  et  le  village  de  Noroy;  s'est  empare  d'une  batterie 
ennemie,  d'un  grand  nombre  de  minenwerfer  et  de  mitrailleuses,  et  a 
fait  plus  de  100  prisonniers." 


Au  Grand  Quartier  General,  le  25  octobre  IQ18. 
Pour  extrait  conforme:  Le  General  Commandant  en  Chef, 

Le  Lieutenant-Colonel,  Signe-'  Petain 

Chef  du  Bureau  du  Personnel. 


37 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


(Translation) 

General  Headquarters 
of  the  Armies  of  the  North  and  the  Northeast 
Adjutant 
Personnel  Bureau 
(Decorations) 

ORDER  NO.  10,887  "D"  (EXTRACT) 
On  the  approval  of  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  American  Ex- 
peditionary Forces  in  France,  the  Commanding  General-in-Chief  of  the 
French  Armies  of  the  North  and  the  Northeast  cites  an  order  of  the 
Army  Corps: 


The  Thirty-ninth  Regiment  of  Infantry,  U.  S. 

Attached  to  the  Division  to  hold  the  sector,  was  called  on  to  take 
part  in  the  battle  of  the  day  after  its  arrival.  Under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Bolles  gave  proof  in  receiving  its  baptism  of  fire  of  admirable 
bravery.  Took  the  thicket  of  Cresnes  and  the  village  of  Noroy;  cap- 
tured an  enemy  battery,  a  great  number  of  Minenwerfers  and  machine 
guns,  and  made  more  than  a  hundred  prisoners. 

General  Tanant, 
Commanding  the  Thirty-third  Division. 


To  General  Headquarters,  25  October,  iqi8. 
Commanding  General-in-Chief , 

Signed:  Petain. 
For  Extract  Copies 

Lieutenant-Colonel,  Chief  of  Personnel  Bureau. 


38 


THE       THIRTY- NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


2  me  Corps  d'Armee 
Etat-Major. 

Au.  Q.  G.,  le  19  juillet  1918. 

ORDRE  DU  CORPS  D'ARMEE  NO.  260. 
Le  General  en  Chef  adresse  aux  troupes  toutes  ses  felicitations  pour 
le  beau  succes   du   a  l'endurance   et   a   la  bravoure   de   tous.      Je   suis 
heureux  de  vous  les  transmettre  et  fier  de  vous  commander. 

Philipot 
A  la  J  erne  Brigade ,  U.  S. 

(Translation) 
Second  Army  Corps, 
Adjutant. 

Headquarters,  July  19,  1918. 

ARMY  CORPS  ORDER  NO.  260 

The  General-in-Chief  addresses  to  the  troops  his  felicitations  for 
the  great  success  due  to  the  endurance  and  bravery  of  all.  I  am  happy 
to  transmit  these  to  you  and  glad  to  command  you. 

Philipot 
To  the  Seventh  Brigade,  U.  S. 


39 


THE       THIRTY- NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE       WORLD      WAR 


'** -&P- 


Major  Ralph  Slate  Major  Fred  W.  Hackett 

First  Lieutenant  Archibald  R.  Gordon 


40 


Capture  of  St.  Thibaut 


ON  the  night  of  August  2d-3<i  the  Fourth  Division  took  over 
a  sector  in  the  front  line  relieving  the  Rainbow  Division. 
The  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  was  assigned  the  sector  extend- 
ing from  Fereline  Chateau  along  the  northwestern  edge  of  the 
Foret  de  Nesles  to  Hill  191.  The  Second  and  Third  Battalions 
with  the  Thirty-ninth  Machine  Gun  Company  and  "A"  Com- 
pany of  the  Eleventh  M.  G.  Battalion  were  in  the  front  line.  The 
First  Battalion  was  in  support. 

The  enemy  had  begun  falling  back  from  the  south  of  the 
Vesle.  Pursuit  was  made  both  trying  and  difficult  by  reason  of 
the  oblique  line  of  march  through  the  dense  forest.  The  ad- 
vance was  continued  to  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Dole, 
where  it  was  arrested  by  heavy  enemy  machine  gun  fire.  Later 
the  Germans  withdrew  to  more  protected  positions. 

Orders  were  received  in  the  evening  to  organize  strong  ad- 
vance guards  for  pursuit.  The  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  (less  First 
Battalion),  Companies  "A"  and  "C,"  Eleventh  M.  G.  Battalion 
and  "A"  Company  Fourth  Engineers  formed  the  advance  guard 
for  the  Seventh  Brigade  with  Colonel  Bolles  as  advance  guard 
commander.  The  advance  was  ordered  to  be  made  via  Cherry- 
Chartreuve,  St.  Thibaut,  Bazoches,  Haut  Maison,  and  Bevies, 
and  to  establish  a  bridgehead  in  advance  of  the  line  Vauxcere — 
Blancy  les  Fimes.  In  heavy  rain  and  pitch  darkness  the  advance 
guard  marched  out  in  single  file  at  10  p.  m.  (August  3rd)  via  the 
Montbain  Ferme  road,  Colonel  Bolles  leading.  "E"  Company 
constituted  the  advance  party,  the  Second  Battalion  the  support, 
the  remainder  of  the  Regiment  (less  the  First  Battalion)  the 
reserve.  The  First  Battalion  marched  with  the  main  body.  When 
the  head  of  the  column  approached  the  Vesle  valley  the  Germans 
shelled  the  woods  and  road  heavily,  compelling  a  halt.  As  the 
shelling  did  not  let  up,  the  advance  was  not  continued  and  by 

4i 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


midnight  the  men  fell  out  along  the  road  and  snatched  what  rest 
they  could  under  the  circumstances. 

On  the  following  morning  (August  4th),  when  it  was  found 
that  the  enemy  artillery  fire  still  blocked  the  advance,  Colonel 
Bolles  decided  to  go  forward  via  the  road  from  Cherry-Char- 
treuve  to  St.  Thibaut.  The  same  formation  as  on  the  previous 
day  was  ordered,  but  in  the  counter  march,  necessitated  by  the 
change  in  route,  a  gap  developed  in  the  center  of  the  Second  Bat- 
talion, into  which  the  Third  Battalion  moved.  "K"  and  "L" 
Companies  were  sent  forward  to  reinforce  "H"  and  "F"  Com- 
panies. 

Every  advantage  of  terrain  was  with  the  enemy  in  the  attempt 
to  cross  the  Vesle  at  Bazoches.  The  approach  to  the  Vesle  val- 
ley was  through  a  gulch  about  two  hundred  yards  wide;  this 
gulch  and  the  entire  valley  was  commanded  by  enemy  obser- 
vation from  the  hills  north  of  the  Vesle.  The  Germans  had  taken 
up  position  in  strongly  entrenched  lines  at  Bazoches  on  the  right 
bank  of  the  river,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  natural  protection 
of  the  high  cliffs  on  either  side  of  the  Vesle,  machine  guns  had 
been  so  placed  as  to  command  both  St.  Thibaut  and  Bazoches. 
Hostile  artillery  and  minenwerfers  were  directed  on  St.  Thibaut 
and  back  areas,  and  kept  up  an  incessant  fire.  Under  such  ad- 
verse circumstances  the  capture  of  the  village  of  St.  Thibaut  was 
both  difficult  and  costly. 

At  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  "H"  Company,  the  advance 
party,  entered  the  village.  After  advancing  to  the  northern  edge 
there  was  a  deluge  of  machine  gun  and  artillery  fire  on  both  the 
village  and  the  area  to  the  rear.  The  support  was  quickly  de- 
ployed and  ordered  to  dig  in.  "R"  company  took  position  on  the 
right  of  the  road  about  a  half  kilometer  from  the  town,  "F"  and 
"L"  Companies  200  yards  further  back  to  the  right  and  left  of 
the  road  respectively.  "H"  Company  in  the  meantime  was  meet- 
ing with  spirited  resistance  in  the  northern  outskirts  of  the  town. 
Learning  from  a  prisoner  that  the  Vesle  was  very  strongly  held 
and  that  the  Germans  were  in  intrenched  positions  beyond  the 
river,  Colonel  Bolles  directed  Major  Mitchell,  in  command  of 
the  support,  to  go  slowly.  Major  Mitchell  then  went  forward  to 
the  village  to  make  a  personal  reconnaisance.  German  intrench- 
ments  were  visible  on  the  hill  and  numerous  machine  guns  were 
reported  in  the  vicinity  of  Bazoches.  Colonel  Bolles  also  went 
personally  into  St.  Thibaut  and  established  his  P.  C.  there.  Be- 
fore noon  Captain  Slate  had  with  great  difficulty  brought  up  a 

42 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Soissons — Scale  1 140,000 

Map  Legend: 

—  —Principal   Highway 

Secondary  Roads 

Standard  Gauge  Railway 


9     *     i*     j*     i*     «f 


43 


THE      THIRTY- XI  NTH      IX  FAX  TRY      IX      THE      WORLD      WAR 


part  of  "I"  Company  and  had  taken  up  a  position  west  of  the 
town.  Later  during  the  day  Captain  Eddy  brought  up  his  ma- 
chine guns,  Lieutenant  Plumley  his  Stokes  Mortars,  and  Lieuten- 
ant Volmrich  the  one-pounder  section.  The  following  morning 
one  of  the  one-pounders  and  one  Stokes  Mortar  was  destroyed 
by  enemy  trench  mortar  fire. 

Now  after  a  stubborn  fight  St.  Thibaat  was  in  the  possession 
of  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry.  However,  under  direct  observa- 
tion of  the  enemy,  and  with  his  command  of  all  approaches,  it 
was  impossible  to  advance  in  force  across  the  river.  Numerous 
patrols  were  pushed  forward  and  six  patrols  from  "H"  Company 
were  successful  in  crossing  the  Vesle  by  10:30  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  August  4th.  These  men  were  the  first  troops  of  the 
Fourth  Division  to  cross  the  Vesle  River. 

During  the  night  "F"  Company  and  the  remainder  of  "I" 
Company  were  brought  up  and  ordered  to  take  up  position  on  the 
left  of  the  town.  "L"  and  "M"  Companies  had  been  moved  to  the 
high  ground  (Montague  de  Fere)  one  kilometer  southwest  of  St. 
Thibaut.  During  the  day  of  August  4th  and  the  night  of  August 
4th-5th  the  area  occupied  in  and  around  St.  Thibaut  was  sub- 
jected to  a  heavy  hostile  artillery,  minenwerfer  and  machine  gun 
fire. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  August  5th  orders  were  received  to 
attack  at  five  o'clock,  the  attack  to  be  supported  by  artillery  fire. 
Major  Winton  was  ordered  to  advance  with  "F,"  "H,"  "I,"  and 
"K"  Companies.    No  sooner,  however,  did  the  artillery  prepara- 
tion begin  than  the  enemy  replied  with  a  counter  barrage,  cov- 
ering accurately  the  area  between  the  front  line  and  the  river. 
"H"  and  "F"  Companies  were  unable  to  advance.    Captain  Slate 
moved  "I"  Company  to  the  left  and  by  advancing  through  dense 
barbed  wire  entanglements  succeeded  in  reaching  the  river  bank, 
where   the   company   dug   in;    the    right   resting   near   the   de- 
molished bridge,  the  left  extending  to  La  Maladerie  Ferme. 
While  advancing  through  the  wrire  entanglements  Captain  Slate 
was  wounded,  but  refused  to  be  evacuated,  and  led  his  men  for- 
ward to  the  river.    Sergeant  John  W.  Norton,  commanding  the 
fourth  platoon,  was  also  wounded  during  this  advance,  having 
his  right  leg  shot  off.     Despite  the  seriousness  of  his  wounds 
Sergeant  Norton  refused  to  be  carried  to  the  rear  and  directed 
the  movement  of  his  platoon  until  it  reached  the  river  bank.   For 
the  heroism  displayed  in  this  action  he  was  awarded  the  Dis- 
tinguished Service  Cross. 

44 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

At  nine  o'clock  the  enemy  shelling  had  practically  ceased.  Re- 
ports were  also  received  that  the  French  on  the  left  had  the  night 
before  given  up  their  attempt  to  cross  the  Vesle,  but  that  the 
Fifty-eight  Infantry  on  the  right  had  that  morning  succeeded  in 
crossing.  On  receipt  of  this  information  Colonel  Bolles  ordered 
Major  Mitchell  to  bring  "G"  Company  up  from  the  gulch  and  to 
have  men  from  "I"  Company,  already  on  the  bank  of  the  Vesle, 
infiltrate  across  the  river  and  intrench  on  the  reverse  slope  of  the 
hill.  Replacements  were  to  be  sent  forward  from"G"  Company 
for  all  the  men  "I"  Company  succeeded  in  getting  across. 
Thirty-eight  men  from  "G,"  "H"  and  "I"  Companies  (the 
greater  portion  from  "I"  Company)  had  succeeded  in  crossing 
by  the  ruined  bridge,  when  at  u  115  o'clock  our  barrage  lifted. 
The  enemy  immediately  came  from  under  cover  and  concen- 
trated machine  gun  and  rifle  fire  on  the  crossing,  making  it  im- 
possible to  get  more  men  over  the  river.  Enemy  snipers  did 
effective  work  along  the  sunken  road  west  of  the  town,  where  in- 
numerable unsuccessful  attempts  were  made  to  come  up  with 
bridge  timber  and  reinforcements  for  the  firing  line.  At  this  time 
Major  Mitchell,  who  was  directing  the  crossing  of  the  Vesle,  was 
seriously  wounded  by  a  sniper;  despite  his  wounds  he  remained 
the  balance  of  the  day,  working  indefatigably  to  effect  an 
advance. 

A  short  while  before  noon  "F"  Company  moved  forward 
from  its  position  in  the  eastern  edge  of  the  town,  but  was  forced 
by  the  intensity  of  the  hostile  fire  to  take  cover  behind  the  rail- 
road bank.  So  accurately  was  this  area  covered  by  machine  gun 
fire  that  further  advance  was  impossible.  It  was  here  that 
Lieutenant  D.  S.  Grant  was  mortally  wounded  while  attempting 
to  cross  the  track. 

About  noon  efforts  were  made  to  bring  other  troops  forward. 
"G,"  "H"  and  "L"  Companies  attempted  the  advance,  but  were 
held  up  by  enemy  artillery  and  machine  gun  fire.  "H"  Com- 
pany, at  the  cost  of  many  casualties,  succeeded  in  getting  the  sec- 
ond platoon  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Eddy  to  the  rail- 
road embankment. 

Later  in  the  afternoon  it  was  decided  to  make  another  attempt 
at  crossing.  A  signal  rocket  for  a  barrage  was  fired.  The  artil- 
lery responded,  but  as  the  barrage  lasted  only  a  few  minutes, 
there  was  not  sufficient  time  for  the  troops  to  move  forward  by 
infiltration.  The  enemy,  however,  replied  with  a  heavy  bombard- 

45 


THE       THIRTY  -XI  NTH       IX  FAX  TRY      IX       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:     Brigadier  General  Benjamin  A.  Poore  near  Marieul  en  Dole. 
Lower:    Colonel  Bolles'  car  "wounded"  in  the  Vesle  fighting. 


46 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

ment.    At  five  o'clock  an  enemy  aviator  flew  over,  locating  the 
lines. 

At  half  past  five  o'clock  a  number  of  machine  guns  from  the 
Tenth  and  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalions,  and  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Machine  Gun  Company  laid  down  a  barrage  on  the  enemy 
positions.  Immediately  the  Germans  replied  with  all  their  artil- 
lery, minenwerfers  and  machine  guns,  sweeping  the  woods,  town 
and  valley.  Following  this  German  troops  in  column  of  fours, 
commanded  by  a  mounted  officer,  were  seen  coming  down  the  hill 
to  the  northwest  of  the  Vesle.  As  they  reached  the  lowlands, 
just  west  of  Bazoches,  combat  formations  were  taken  up.  An 
attack  in  force  was  expected,  but  did  not  materialize. 

That  evening  all  troops  were  ordered  withdrawn  from  the  vil- 
lage and  valley  to  allow  the  artillery  to  put  down  an  annihilating 
barrage  on  the  German  positions.  "K"  and  "L"  Companies  were 
left  forward  for  outposts  during  the  night.  While  leading  a  patrol 
from  "M"  Company  across  the  Vesle,  Lieutenant  Wood  en- 
countered a  patrol,  double  the  strength  of  his,  under  the  com- 
mand of  a  German  officer.  A  fight  ensued  in  which  the  officer 
and  a  number  of  his  men  were  killed,  others  being  captured. 
Lieutenant  Wood  and  his  patrol  returned  safely  during  the  night. 
On  the  morning  of  August  6th  artillery  preparation  began  and 
continued  until  late  in  the  afternoon.  The  Commanding  General 
had  ordered  Bazoches  and  Haute  Maison,  as  well  as  any  possible 
emplacements  east,  north  and  south  of  those  towns  "wiped  off  the 
map."  In  the  afternoon,  after  several  hours  of  terrific  shelling  of 
these  areas,  engineers  were  sent  forward  to  throw  a  bridge  across 
the  river.  They  were  met  by  an  accurate  and  deadly  hostile  fire, 
and  were  forced  to  abandon  their  attempt.  Just  before  night  the 
First  Battalion  received  orders  to  cross  the  river  to  the  right  of 
St.  Thibaut.  Under  cover  of  woods  on  the  hill  south  of  the  vil- 
lage the  Battalion  formed  in  column  of  companies,  "D,"  "B," 
"A"  and  UC"  following  each  other  at  two  hundred  yards,  each 
company  in  line  of  combat  groups. 

A  smoke  barrage  had  been  thrown  in  the  valley  to  screen  the 
movement ,  but  as  the  movement  was  delayed  two  hours,  this  was 
of  little  benefit.  The  advance  was  only  partly  successful.  Three 
platoons  of  "D"  Company  reached  the  river  and  remained  there 
until  the  regiment  was  relieved.  "B"  Company  and  the  remain- 
ing platoon  of  "D"  Company  advanced  as  far  as  the  railroad 
bank.  About  nine  o'clock  "A"  Company  reached  the  river,  but 
during  the  night  withdrew  to  the  railroad.     "C"  Company  also 

47 


THE      T  H  I  RTY^N  IN  TH_    INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

advanced  as  far  as  the  railroad  embankment.  During  the  night 
engineers  cut  telegraph  poles,  bound  them  together,  and  threw 
them  across  the  river  for  a  foot  bridge.  On  these  men  from  "D" 
Company  crossed  and  engaged  the  enemy.  Corporal  Marcheck 
was  killed  in  this  fighting.  The  last  of  these  detachments  re- 
turned on  August  7th,  when  the  Regiment  was  relieved  by  the 
Forty-seventh  Infantry.  All  companies  moved  back  before  dawn 
on  the  8th  with  the  exception  of  three  platoons  of  "A"  Company, 
which  were  left  in  the  sunken  road  at  the  bottom  of  the  hill  to  the 
northeast  of  the  village.  At  ten  o'clock  orders  were  received 
to  move  back.  By  this  time  the  enemy  was  sweeping  the  hillside 
with  machine  gun  and  trench  mortar  fire,  but  by  infiltration  the 
platoons  succeeded  in  withdrawing,  in  full  view  of  the  enemy, 
without  casualties. 

While  the  infantry  had  been  undergoing  the  hardships  of 
battle,  the  Medical  Detachment,  undergoing  the  same  hardships, 
were  experiencing  great  difficulty  in  evacuating  the  wounded. 
As  there  were  no  dugouts  or  sheltered  places,  dressing  stations 
were  established  in  the  village  of  St.  Thibaut  and  a  shed  four 
kilometers  to  the  south  at  Ferme  de  Filles.  It  was  impossible 
for  ambulances  to  come  nearer  than  one  and  one-half  kilometers 
to  St.  Thibaut.  In  spite  of  these  trying  circumstances,  the  hostile 
fire,  and  the  large  number  of  casualties,  the  Regimental  Medical 
Detachment  succeeded  in  evacuating  the  wounded  promptly.  The 
spirit  and  bravery  of  the  members  of  this  detachment,  in  the  per- 
formance of  their  duty,  elicited  from  the  soldiers  the  greatest 
praise  and  gratitude,  and  bound  them  to  the  Regiment  with  the 
strongest  of  human  ties. 

On  the  morning  of  August  7th  the  Regiment  moved  back  to 
the  Foret  de  Dole  as  support  to  the  Forty-seventh  Infantry. 
Regimental  Headquarters  was  established  at  Ferme  des  Dames. 
Here  the  Regiment  remained  until  the  division  was  relieved  on 
August  nth.  Each  night  the  Germans  bombarded  the  Foret  de 
Dole  heavily,  sending  over  a  large  number  of  gas  shells.  After 
the  relief  of  the  division,  the  Commanding  General  reviewed  its 
record  in  a  General  Order,  a  copy  of  which  follows. 


48 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


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49 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

HEADQUARTERS  FOURTH  DIVISION 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  46. 

France,  August  14,  1918. 
Officers  and  Men  of  the  Fourth  Division: 

After  twenty-seven  days  of  marching  and  fighting,  our  Division  has 
been  withdrawn  from  the  front  for  a  hard-earned  and  well-deserved  rest, 
and  for  the  first  time  during  that  period  it  is  now  possible  to  suitably 
record  our  achievements. 

With  our  training  period  still  unfinished,  our  infantry  and  machine 
guns  were  rushed  into  line  on  the  night  of  July  17th- 18th  to  take  part  in 
Marshal  Foch's  now  famous  drive  from  the  Marne.  Under  the  able 
commanders  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-fourth  Division,  Seventh 
Army  Corps,  VI  French  Army,  and  side  by  side  with  our  gallant  Allies, 
battalions  of  the  Eighth  Brigade  drove  the  enemy  from  Haute-Vesnes, 
St.  Gengoulph,  Chezy,  Chevillon,  Priez  and  Courchamps,  with  such 
pluck  and  vigor  that  over  four  hundred  prisoners,  eighteen  guns  and 
many  mortars  and  machine  guns  fell  into  the  hands  of  General  Gauchel, 
who  commended  our  troops  for  "splendid  dash."  At  the  end  of  two 
days  fighting,  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-fourth  Division  was  the  most 
advanced  in  the  VI  Army. 

Further  north,  our  Thirty-ninth  Infantry,  under  its  own  Colonel, 
took  over  a  sector  at  night  and  was  later  cited  in  orders  of  the  Thirty- 
third  French  Division  for  "magnificent  ardour"  and  for  the  capture  of 
the  woods  of  Cresnes,  the  village  of  Noroy,  an  enemy  battery,  and  a 
great  number  of  trench  mortars  and  machine  guns,  as  well  as  over  one 
hundred  prisoners,  including  two  officers.  On  July  23rd  our  troops 
were  withdrawn  and  concentrated  to  resume  a  status  of  training,  but 
under  a  sudden  change  of  orders,  were  immediately  marched  to  join  the 
First  Corps,  U.  S.,  and  placed  in  second  line  behind  the  Forty-second 
Division,  U.  S.,  on  the  Ourcq.  Here  two  battalions  of  the  Forty-seventh 
Infantry  suffered  heavy  losses  when  pushed  up  to  reinforce  a  portion 
of  the  front  line.  On  August  3rd,  the  Division  passed  through  to  the 
front,  and  operating  for  the  first  time  under  its  commanders,  continued 
the  drive  as  far  as  the  Vesle  River.  Here  the  enemy  had  established 
himself  in  force  and  successfully  resisted  further  Allied  advance. 

The  Ivy  Division,  baptized  in  full  battle,  has  been  christened  a 
fighting  unit.  It  has  been  tried  out  and  has  stood  the  test.  With  no 
preliminary  experience  in  front  sector,  it  took  its  full  share  in  the  greatest 
attack  that  has  yet  been  launched  by  the  Allied  forces.  No  soldiers 
have  ever  been  called  upon  to  stand  a  more  gruelling  grind  upon  their 

50 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


fortitude,  endurance  and  morale  than  has  been  imposed  upon  the  men  of 
this  Division  by  the  fighting  in  the  valley  of  the  Vesle. 

The  Division  Commander  desires  to  express,  in  equal  measure,  his 
appreciation  of  the  splendid  co-operation  of  all  branches : 

To  the  Engineers,  who  under  heavy  fire  and  with  heavy  losses  con- 
structed bridges  over  the  Vesle  and,  under  shelling,  maintained  roads 
that  made  supply  possible. 

To  the  Signal  Corps,  who  labored  day  and  night  to  maintain  oui 
lines  of  communication. 

To  the  Medical  Service,  whose  units  were  pushed  forward  to  the 
firing  line,  working  without  rest  to  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  the 
wounded ; and 

To  our  Chaplains,  with  their  faithful  parties,  who  carefully  buried 
our  dead. 

He  desires  to  commend  in  no  less  degree  the  personnel  of  the  Trains, 
who,  from  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  have  not  failed  on  a  single  oc- 
casion to  furnish  the  combatant  elements  with  food  and  ammunition, 
and  the  Military  Police,  who,  by  intelligent  traffic  regulation,  made  it 
possible  to  supply  a  Division  in  a  congested  area  over  devious  and  dif- 
ficult roads. 

The  Division  Commander  is  justly  proud  to  command  officers  and 
men  who  have  measured  up  to  the  highest  standards  of  Americanism. 

We  mourn  our  dead.    For  the  living,  there  is  the  work  of  tomorrow. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  Cameron  : 

C.  A.  Bach,  ,' 

Lieut.  Colonel,  General  Staff, 
Chief  of  Staff. 
Official: 

Howard  J.  Savage, 

Capt.  A.G.D.,  N.A.,  Acting  Adjutant. 


51 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Captain  Richard  G.  Plumley  Captain  Robert  W.  Norton. 

Captain  William  K.  Dickson 


52 


Capture  of  Cuisy  and  Septsarges 

AFTER  a  two  days'  rest  the  Fourth  Division  moved  by  rail  to 
the  training  area  north  of  Chaumont,  going  into  billets 
Lat  St.  Blin.  The  Division  now  became  a  part  of  the  Amer- 
ican First  Army.  Here  replacements  were  received  to  fill  the 
gaps  caused  by  casualties  in  the  Vesle  fighting.  Another  problem 
now  presented  itself,  none  the  less  difficult  because  there  was  to 
be  no  fighting — a  problem  of  reconstruction  and  rapid  reorgan- 
ization. 

Training  schedules  were  resumed,  but  with  added  interest, 
the  result  of  experience  gained  in  battle,  and  knowledge  of  what 
was  needed  to  solve  the  problems  of  the  future.  Particular  em- 
phasis was  placed  upon  the  essentials  of  control  and  discipline  of 
smaller  units,  and  upon  target  practise.  Every  one  had  come  to 
realize  to  the  fullest  the  value  of  the  rifle  in  combat.  Ranges  al- 
ready constructed  were  in  constant  daily  use;  while  under  the  in- 
struction of  the  more  experienced,  the  replacements  were  making 
excellent  progress.  One  month  in  a  rest  area  was  usually  allowed 
to  complete  the  work  of  reconstruction  and  training.  At  this 
time,  however,  events  were  moving  rapidly,  and  when  orders 
were  received  to  move  on  August  31st  the  Regiment  was  in 
splendid  condition  for  active  service.  On  the  1st  of  September 
a  move  by  trucks  was  made  to  Marats  la  Grande,  where  another 
week  was  spent  in  training.  While  here,  on  Sunday,  September 
8th,  the  Regiment  was  assembled  and  Memorial  Services  held 
for  our  comrades  who  had  fallen  in  battle. 

Another  move  by  trucks  was  made  on  September  9th,  the 
Regiment  bivouacking  at  Bois  de  Behole,  as  part  of  the  corps  re- 
serve in  the  St.  Mihiel  operation.  The  Thirty-ninth  was  not 
actively  engaged  in  the  front  lines,  but  during  the  night  of  Sep- 
tember 1 2th- 1 3th  was  ordered  forward  to  close  a  gap  in  the  lines. 
The  advance  was  made  under  the  greatest  difficulties;  the  night 

53 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


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THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

was  as  black  as  pitch,  the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  the  only  road 
that  could  be  used  was  blocked  by  French  artillery  and  transpor- 
tation moving  forward.  After  having  marched  approximately 
eleven  miles  in  seven  and  one-half  hours  under  these  trying  cir- 
cumstances the  Regiment  reached  its  destination,  Hill  376,  west 
of  Les  Eparges,  at  6:35  o'clock  in  the  morning,  September  13th. 
Before  arriving  the  gap  had  been  closed  and  the  Regiment  went 
into  bivouac  in  the  woods  in  the  vicinity  of  Hill  378,  closely  sup- 
porting the  first  lines.  While  in  this  position  the  men  were  under 
constant  shell  fire.  As  a  result  of  the  success  of  the  assaulting 
troops  the  Thirty-ninth  was  not  ordered  into  action.  On  the 
morning  of  September  14th  the  Regiment  returned  to  its  canton- 
ment east  of  Houdainville.  Here  training  was  resumed  and  con- 
tinued until  September  19th,  when  a  move  was  made  to  the 
vicinity  of  Lemmes. 

By  a  series  of  night  marches  via  Vignieville,  Montzieville 
and  Bethelainville  the  Regiment  moved  from  Lemmes  to  Esnes 
— a  part  of  the  Meuse-Argonne  front.  Here  forces  were  being 
concentrated  for  the  greatest  single  effort  of  any  American 
army;  here  the  Allied  forces  were  preparing  for  the  greatest  of 
all  offensives  of  the  war.  An  offensive  which  before  it  was  com- 
pleted extended  from  the  North  Sea  to  the  Swiss  Border,  and 
which  before  its  end  was  to  see  the  great  German  military  ma- 
chine wrecked  and  ruined.  The  Fourth  Division  was  assigned 
a  sector  west  of  Bethincourt.  The  advance  was  to  be  made  from 
the  line  Hill  Le  Mort  Homme — Hill  304,  passing  just  east  of 
Malancourt  and  Montfaucon,  skirting  Septsarges  and  Nantillois, 
thence  inclining  to  the  right  to  its  final  objective  (the  army  ob- 
jective), a  line  through  Brieulles  and  the  northern  edge  of  the 
Bois  de  Foret.  The  Seventh  Brigade  was  placed  in  the  front 
line  with  the  Eighth  Brigade  in  reserve.  The  Thirty-ninth 
Infantry,  Company  "A"  Eleventh  M.  G.  Battalion  and  two 
platoons  "B"  Company  Fourth  Engineers  occupied  the  left  of 
the  brigade  sector  up  to  and  including  a  line  through  Bois 
Eponge  to  the  northern  edge  of  Bois  Camard.  The  Forty-seventh 
Infantry  was  on  the  right  of  the  brigade  sector.  At  midnight,  Sep- 
tember 25th,  the  Regiment  entered  the  trenches  at  Esnes  and 
marched  three  kilometers  up  communication  trenches  to  the 
front  line  on  Hill  304. 

At  2:30  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  September  26th  our  artil- 
lery commenced  a  bombardment,  remarkable  for  its  intensity 
and  accuracy.     The  enemy  positions  wThich  had  been  fortified 

56 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE       WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Evacuating  wounded  at  Esnes. 

Lower:    Looking  west  from  Bois  de  Septsarges  towards  Nantillois. 


57 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

and  strengthened  during  a  period  of  two  years  were  pounded 
beyond  recognition.  Under  the  protection  of  the  barrage  the 
Third  Battalion,  commanded  by  Major  Terrell,  took  up  a  position 
in  "No  Man's  Land"  with  "I"  and  "M"  Companies  in  the  as- 
sault line;  "K"  and  "L"  Companies  in  support.  "F"  Company 
was  ordered  to  mop  up  for  the  assaulting  battalion.  The  First 
Battalion,  under  command  of  Major  Winton,  was  placed  in  sup- 
port with  "A"  and  "B"  Companies  in  the  front  line,  "C"  and  "D" 
in  support,  and  took  up  position  in  the  front  line  trenches.  The 
Second  Battalion,  Major  Baylor  in  command,  was  in  reserve  on 
Hill  304. 

At  5  130  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  line  moved  forward  be- 
hind a  rolling  barrage.  A  dense  fog  obscured  the  movement  of 
troops  and  caused  great  difficulty  in  maintaining  lines  of  direc- 
tion and  contact  with  adjacent  troops.  Despite  these  drawbacks 
the  assault  was  made  with  irresistible  energy  and  determination. 
Hundreds  of  prisoners  were  captured,  many  machine  and  much 
heavy  ordnance  taken. 

According  to  the  plan  of  attack,  the  Third  Battalion  was  to 
lead  the  advance  to  Cuisy,  the  intermediate  objective.  Here  the 
barrage  was  to  rest  for  thirty  minutes  to  allow  the  First  Battalion 
to  "leap  frog"  the  Third  and  carry  on  the  fight.  In  the  dense 
fog  the  First  Battalion  had  moved  to  the  left  and  had  come  up 
against  Montfaucon  Hill,  east  of  the  village.  This  position  was 
protected  by  a  mass  of  barbed  wire  entanglements  and  strongly 
held  by  machine  guns.  The  third  and  fourth  platoons  of  "A" 
Company  moved  forward  through  a  communication  trench  on 
the  right,  flanked  the  hill  and  captured  more  than  one  hundred 
prisoners. 

At  Montfaucon  Hill  Colonel  Bolles  and  Lieutenant  Johnson 
came  up  looking  for  the  Third  Battalion.  Thinking  that  it  had 
gone  forward,  Colonel  Bolles  ordered  the  two  platoons  from  "A" 
Company  to  advance,  and  moved  past  Cuisy  to  Septsarges.  In 
advancing  the  Colonel  had  reestablished  liaison  with  the  Third 
Battalion  and  directed  that  the  advance  be  continued.  Arriving 
at  Septsarges  Colonel  Bolles  established  his  headquarters  there. 
No  sooner,  however,  had  he  done  this  than  a  number  of  Germans 
surrounded  the  place.  Fortunately,  Lieutenant  Gordon  with  "L" 
Company  arrived  at  this  time  and  routed  the  enemy. 

After  the  two  platoons  from  "A"  Company  had  advanced 
from  Montfaucon  Hill  the  Germans  came  out  of  their  dugouts 
and  manned  the  trenches  with  machine  guns.    Lieutenant  Haney 

58 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

then  led  a  platoon  from  each  of  "C"  and  "D"  Companies  around 
the  right  and  flanked  the  hill  again.  The  second  flanking  move- 
ment was  more  difficult  and  more  costly  than  the  first.  In  the 
fighting  "A"  Company  lost  all  platoon  leaders,  all  of  Head- 
quarters platoon  except  one  man,  and  all  but  six  sergeants.  How- 
ever, when  the  advance  was  continued  at  three  o'clock  a  large  pile 
of  disabled  German  machine  guns  was  left  on  the  field.  And, 
although  at  great  cost,  our  Regiment  had  made  possible  the 
capture  of  Montfaucon. 

At  the  intermediate  objective  just  south  of  Cuisy  the  Third 
Battalion  halted,  as  ordered,  for  the  First  Battalion  to  come  up 
and  make  the  relief.  While  waiting  for  the  arrival  of  the  First 
the  Third  Battalion  filtered  into  the  town  of  Cuisy  and 
cleaned  it  up,  capturing  more  than  six  hundred  prisoners,  one 
battery  of  77's  and  innumerable  machine  guns.  In  advancing 
over  the  hill  south  of  Septsarges  the  left  flank  was  temporarily 
held  up  by  heavy  machine  gun  and  minenwerfer  fire  from  Hill 
315  in  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Montfaucon.  At  the  same 
time  the  Germans  attempted  a  counter  attack  from  the  direction 
of  these  woods.  The  second  and  fourth  platoons  of  "I"  Com- 
pany with  one  platoon  from  "K"  Company  met  the  counter  at- 
tack and  broke  it  up.  Just  after  the  Germans  had  been  driven 
back,  a  patrol  from  "I"  Company  led  by  Lieutenant  Hammond 
•captured  fifteen  prisoners,  and  recaptured  three  men  of  the  First 
Battalion  who  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Germans.  Before 
advancing  it  was  necessary  to  set  up  machine  guns  from  the 
Eleventh  M.  G.  Battalion  to  neutralize  the  minenwerfer  and  ma- 
chine gun  fire  from  Hill  315  and  Fay  el  Ferme. 

Due  to  the  dense  fog  and  opposition  encountered  on  its  ex- 
posed left  flank  the  relief  battalion  did  not  arrive.  The  necessity 
for  continuing  the  attack  movement  was  so  great  that  the  Reg- 
imental Commander  directed  the  Third  Battalion,  despite  its 
losses  and  fatigue,  to  move  forward  as  the  assault  battalion.  The 
advance  was  continued  through  the  valley  just  west  of  Septsarges. 
Here  German  machine  gun  resistance  was  very  strong,  the  first 
platoon  of  "I"  Company  being  practically  annihilated.  Troops 
from  "I"  and  "K"  Companies  immediately  pushed  forward  and 
after  bitter  fighting  wiped  out  the  machine  gun  nests  that  were 
holding  up  the  forward  movement.  After  clearing  the  valley  of 
machine  guns  the  battalion  advanced  to  the  corps  objective  (the 
ridge  running  east  and  west  one  kilometer  north  of  Septsarges) 
and  consolidated  the  position.  "K"  Company  and  one  platoon  from 

59 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Battered  buildings  in  Montfaucon. 

Lower:    Barbed  wire  entanglements  on  Montfaucon   Hil 


60 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

the  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion  went  into  position  facing 
west  to  protect  the  left  flank.  While  here  "K"  Company  sup- 
ported by  "I"  met  and  repulsed  three  strong  counter  attacks 
made  from  the  Ravin  des  Cailloux. 

The  halt  on  the  corps  objective  was  made  in  compliance 
with  a  previous  Division  order.  This  order  required  that  the 
attack  be  pushed  vigorously,  "regardless  of  the  advance  of  the 
Divisions  on  its  (Fourth  Division)  right  and  left,  to  the  corps 
objective,  where  it  will  halt  and  await  (if  necessary)  the  arrival, 
at  the  corps  objective  of  either  the  right  or  center  division  of 
the  V  Corps."  The  halt  for  more  than  one  hour  at  the  corps  ob- 
jective led  the  enemy  to  believe  that  the  force  of  the  attack  had 
spent  itself,  and  encouraged  him  to  stiffen  his  resistance.  A 
German  battery  of  six  pieces  of  horse-drawn  artillery  was  dis- 
tinctly seen  moving  towards  our  lines  at  a  distance  of  2,500  yards. 
Rifle  and  machine  gun  fire  did  not  serve  to  arrest  the  movement. 
Position  under  cover  was  taken  2,000  yards  to  the  front  and  a 
heavy  fire  opened.  The  Regiment  suffered  a  number  of  casualties. 
While  leading  his  troops  forward  late  in  the  afternoon  Major 
Winton  was  wounded  and  the  command  of  the  First  Battalion 
fell  to  Lieutenant  Haney.\  The  battalions  took  up  position  for 
the  night  as  shown  on  map. 

During  the  day  several  air  battles  had  taken  place  between 
the  American  and  German  planes,  two  machines  on  each  side| 
having  been  brought  down  in  flames.  In  the  end,  however,  our 
aviators  gained  the  supremacy  and  forced  the  Germans  to  seek 
their  own  lines. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  27th,  with  the  Third  Battalion  in 
the  front  line,  the  First  Battalion  in  support  and  the  Second  in 
reserve,  the  advance  was  continued.  "L,"  "I,"  "K"  and  "M" 
Companies  were  in  the  assault  line.  Troops  from  the  Eleventh 
Machine  Gun  Battalion  took  position  on  the  left  to  protect  that 
flank.  Lieutenant  Simpson  of  this  organization  was  killed  while1" 
trying  to  advance  his  guns.  Soon  after  the  advance  began  the  j 
left  flank  and  left  rear  were  entirely  exposed,  and  a  heavy  ma1 
chine  gun  and  artillery  fire  was  put  down  on  the  lines  from  the 
left,  left  rear  and  front.  On  the  right  front,  from  woods  and 
emplacements,  a  withering  machine  gun  fire  was  poured  into  the 
advancing  lines.  In  spite  of  this  veritable  torrent  of  death,  the 
movement  continued  until  the  road  running  east  and  west  from 
Nantillois  was  reached. 

At  this  point  the  machine  gun  barrage  became  so  intense  that 

61 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Bringing  back  Boche  captured  near  Cuisy. 
Lower:    Ration  dump  at  Cuisy. 


62 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

the  advance  could  not  be  pushed  over  the  bald  hill  (Hill  266) 
to  the  front.    The  Third  Battalion  had  advanced  to  a  position 
beyond  the  Nantillois  road  and  had  begun  to  dig  in  along  the 
road  and  to  the  north  of  it.    The  First  Battalion  followed  in  sup- 
port, took  up  a  position  in  the  rear  with  some  elements  crowding 
into  the  Third  Battalion.     This  presented  a  very  vulnerable 
target  to  the  Germans,  who  evidently  had  direct  observation.    At 
this  time  Colonel  Bolles  directed  that  the  line  be  thinned  out 
from  front  to  rear.    Before  this  operation  could  be  consummated 
the  German  artillery  on  the  left  flank  opened  a  direct  fire  with 
high  explosive  shells,  causing  heavy  casualties  in  the  line  not  yet 
stabilized.    This  withering  fire  had  a  very  disastrous  effect  on 
the  elements  of  the  line  on  the  left  flank,  and  resulted  in  some  of 
them  retiring  to  more  protected  positions.    The  other  elements  of 
the  line  took  up  the  retiring  movement,  which  resulted  in  crowd- 
ing many  men  into  the  small  valley  just  south  of  the  Nantillois 
road.  Here  they  were  subjected  to  a  heavy  German  artillery  fire, 
and  a  number  of  soldiers  were  killed.    In  a  short  time  the  greater 
part  of  the  two  battalions  had  evacuated  this  position  so  dearly 
won. 

Lieutenant  Haney,  with  great  presence  of  mind,  and  utter 
disregard  of  danger,  endeavored  to  reform  the  line  on  the  ex- 
posed position,  but  without  avail.  The  receding  troops  continued 
to  fall  back  until  halted  on  the  reverse  slope  of  Hill  295.    Here 
positions  were  taken  for  the  night.    Notwithstanding  this  retire- 
ment on  the  part  of  many  elements,  Lieutenant  Haney  succeeded 
in  holding  a  portion  of  his  company,  together  with  other  bolder 
spirits,  in  the  position  which  was  being  evacuated.    A  portion  of 
the  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion  also  maintained  its  position 
on  the  hill  until  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening.  At  this  time  the  Reg- 
imental Commander  ordered  the  forward  troops  to  join  the 
Regiment.    During  the  day  Colonel  Bolles  had  worked  side  by 
side  with  Lieutenant  Haney  in  effecting  a  reorganization.     By 
exposing  himself  to  the  same  dangers  as  the  men,  he  had  inspired 
them  with  his  indomitable  will  to  fight  to  the  finish.     For  his 
"personal  example  of  courage  and  fearlessness"  in  this  action 
Colonel  Bolles  was  awarded  the  Distinguished  Service  Cross. 
Lieutenant  Haney  was  also  awarded  the  same  decoration  for  the 
gallant  part  he  had  played  in  the  day's  fighting. 

Brigadier  General  Poore,  noticing  the  retirement,  took  his 
position  in  the  front  line,  steadied  the  troops  and  established  the 
line  immediately  to  the  left  of  Colonel  Bolles  and  Lieutenant 

63 


Lieutenant  Colonel  William  E.  Holliday 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

Haney.  For  his  exceptionably  able  grasp  of  the  situation  and 
his  prompt  and  fearless  action,  he  was  later  awarded  the  Dis- 
tinguished Service  Cross. 

Early  in  the  day's  fighting  Lieutenant  Colonel  Holliday  was 
killed  while  gallantly  and  fearlessly  assisting  in  the  advance. 
Colonel  Holliday  had  been  wounded  in  the  leg  by  a  machine  gun 
bullet,  and  while  receiving  first  aid  treatment  on  the  field  so  that 
he  might  continue  the  advance  with  the  troops  was  mortally 
wounded  at  the  base  of  the  skull. 

Throughout  the  day,  probably  the  most  severe  in  the  history 
of  the  Regiment,  the  work  of  General  Poore,  Colonel  Bolles  and 
Lieutenant  Haney  stood  out  preeminent  and  contributed  more  to 
the  maintainance  of  the  morale  and  fighting  spirit  of  the  men 
than  any  other  factor. 

Notwithstanding  the  ill  fortunes  of  the  day  before,  the  Reg- 
iment went  over  the  top  again  at  seven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  28th.  The  Second  Battalion,  which  the  previous  day  had  been 
the  Brigade  reserve,  led  the  attack  with  "F"  and  "H"  Companies 
in  the  assault  line.  "F"  Company  on  the  right  was  supported  by 
"E;"  "H"  on  the  left  was  supported  by  "G."  The  assaulting 
line  was  reinforced  by  one  company  from  the  Eleventh  Machine 
Gun  Battalion.  The  Third  Battalion  was  in  support  of  the  Sec- 
ond, the  First  being  Brigade  reserve.  Although  the  Germans 
opened  with  a  curtain  of  machine  gun  fire,  and  followed  it  with  a 
heavy  fire  of  high  explosives  the  line  continued  its  advance  to  the 
railroad  bank  south  of  Nantillois.  Here  the  Regiment  waited  to 
establish  contact  with  the  Seventy-ninth  Division  on  the  left.  A 
joint  attack  on  Nantillois  by  a  platoon  from  aH"  Company  and 
one  from  "M"  Company,  Three  Hundred  and  Fifteenth  Infan- 
try, forced  the  enemy  to  withdraw  to  the  shelter  of  the  Bois  de 
Fay.  The  attack  was  then  pushed  beyond  the  village  of  Nantil- 
lois to  a  small  knoll.  Under  the  shelter  of  this  knoll  the  line  was 
reorganized  and  moved  to  the  right  oblique  to  get  back  in  the  Di- 
vision sector,  the  Regiment  having  moved  to  the  left  to  assist  the 
Seventy-ninth  Division  in  its  attack  on  Nantillois.  Returning  to 
the  sector  the  advance  was  resumed  and  continued  to  the  southern 
edge  of  the  Bois  de  Fay,  where  it  was  held  up  by  heavy  machine 
gun  fire.  Strong  patrols,  however,  were  pushed  two  kilometers 
to  the  front  and  forced  the  enemy  to  evacuate  the  woods.  Here 
Colonel  Bolles  was  wounded  and  forced  to  retire,  the  command  of 
the  Regiment  falling  to  Major  Terrell.  Colonel  Bolles  had 
molded  the  Regiment  into  an  aggressive  fighting  organization, 

65 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

and  it  continued  to  fight  with  his  do  or  die  spirit  after  he  had  been 
evacuated.  His  presence  on  the  front  line,  however,  was  much 
missed  by  all  who  had  become  accustomed  to  seeing  him  where 
the  fighting  was  the  fiercest,  and  where  by  his  indifference  to 
personal  safety  he  inspired  his  subordinates  with  a  fearlessness 
and  a  determination  to  go  forward. 

The  Seventy-ninth  Division  not  having  advanced  as  far  as  the 
Fourth,  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  was  subjected  to  heavy  flank 
fire  on  the  left.  In  spite  of  this  the  Regiment  clung  tenaciously  to 
its  position  and  for  two  hours  endured  a  terrific  bombardment 
from  77's  across  the  Meuse.  Finally  orders  were  received  to  with- 
draw to  a  position  south-east  of  the  Nantillois — Brieulles  road. 
A  detachment  from  "F,"  "G"  and  "H"  Companies  under  com- 
mand of  Captain  Norton  remained  in  the  forward  position  at  the 
south-eastern  edge  of  the  woods  until  nine  o'clock,  at  which  time 
it  rejoined  the  Regiment.  It  was  here  that  Colonel  J.  K.  Parsons 
took  command. 

On  the  night  of  September  28th-29th  the  Seventh  Brigade 
was  relieved  by  the  Eighth,  and  on  the  following  morning  the 
Thirty-ninth  took  up  position  in  the  Bois  de  Septsarges  as  Divi- 
sion reserve.  While  here  the  Regiment  was  subjected  to  heavy 
artillery  fire  and  much  annoyance  from  enemy  aviators.  On 
October  ist  five  planes  made  an  attack  in  which  two  sergeants  and 
several  privates  were  killed.  Anti-aircraft,  machine  gun  and 
rifle  fire  was  opened  on  the  hostile  planes  and  this  was  successful 
in  bringing  down  four  out  of  the  five. 

In  the  fighting  on  the  26th,  27th  and  28th  the  Regiment  had 
advanced  eleven  kilometers  on  a  front  ranging  from  one  to  two 
kilometers,  the  first  five  being  one  mass  of  barbed  wire.  In  the 
advance  of  September  26th  the  Regiment  succeeded  in  pene- 
trating the  enemy  line  deeper  than  other  troops  engaged.  Be- 
cause of  the  flanking  fire  from  the  left  for  the  greater  part  of  the 
time  the  casualties  had  been  heavy.  More  than  one  hundred 
men  and  officers  had  been  killed  and  over  five  hundred  wounded. 
In  the  three  days  fighting  the  Regiment  had  captured  nearly  two 
thousand  prisoners,  thirty  cannon  of  all  calibre,  and  numerous 
machine  guns,  minenwerfer  and  trench  mortars. 

Corporal  James  O.  Kelly  of  "A"  Company  who  was  wounded 
and  captured  during  the  fighting  around  Montfaucon  Hill  on 
September  26th  gives  the  following  account  of  his  experiences: 

"We  went  over  the  top  and  drove  the  Germans  in  a  dugout, 
taking  about  one  hundred  prisoners.     I  brought  back  twenty  of 

66 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Advancing  from  Bois  de  Septsarges  to  Nantillois. 

Lower:  Crossing  Nantillois  road.    Lieutenant    Colonel   Holliday  was  killed  here, 
just  north  of  the  road  on  September  27th. 


67 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

them  to  Colonel  Bolles.  He  told  me  to  go  back  and  get  some 
more;  that  there  were  lots  of  them  up  there.  As  I  was  going 
back  I  met  Lieutenant  Haney  with  the  rest  of  the  prisoners.  He 
told  me  to  go  to  First  Sergeant  Keller,  who  had  been  wounded, 
and  give  him  first  aid.  I  had  found  Sergeant  Keller  and  was 
giving  him  first  aid  treatment  when  I  was  hit  in  the  thigh  by  a 
machine  gun  bullet. 

"The  next  thing  I  remember  is  seeing  about  fifteen  Germans 
around  us.  We  were  carried  back  to  the  dugout  in  which  we  had 
captured  our  prisoners.  Sergeant  Keller  was  placed  on  a  stretcher 
and  two  of  our  men,  who  had  been  captured,  were  made  to  carry 
it.  A  German  helped  me  to  get  along.  We  traveled  until 
three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  we  reached  their  first  aid  sta- 
tion. Here  our  wounds  were  dressed  and  we  were  each  given  a 
'shot'  in  the  chest  to  prevent  lock-jaw.  We  stayed  in  this  dugout 
all  night. 

"At  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  the  Americans 
opened  a  barrage,  which  was  very  severe  and  lasted  for  more 
than  two  hours.  When  the  barrage  stopped  the  Germans  re- 
treated, leaving  us  with  several  of  their  wounded.  Two  first  aid 
men  were  left  to  care  for  us.  We  remained  there  until  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  members  of  the  Three  Hundred 
and  Thirteenth  Infantry  (Seventy-ninth  Division)  came  near 
where  we  were.  The  boys  came  over  and  were  about  to  throw 
a  grenade  at  us,  until  I  told  them  we  were  from  the  Fourth  Di- 
vision. Sergeant  Keller  and  I  stayed  there  until  September  28th. 
Early  that  morning  Sergeant  Keller  died  from  gas  and  wounds 
in  the  head.  I  was  taken  to  the  American  first  aid  station  later 
in  the  morning.  From  there  I  was  sent  to  the  field  hospital, 
and  later  to  a  base  hospital.  I  rejoined  'A'  Company  at  Schuld, 
Germany,  on  the  27th  of  December." 

Corporal  John  Carman  of  "M"  Company,  who  was  also 
wounded  and  captured  on  the  26th,  and  who  later  escaped  from 
a  German  prison  hospital,  tells  the  following  narrative: 

"On  the  26th  of  September  I  was  out  with  a  patrol  of  four 
privates  on  the  left  flank  of  the  Regiment.  About  five  o'clock 
the  Germans  started  a  counter  attack.  I  was  wounded  by  a 
machine  gun  bullet,  and  as  our  ammunition  was  exhausted  all 
five  of  us  crawled  in  a  shell  hole.  On  account  of  the  heavy  Ger- 
man machine  gun  fire  we  were  forced  to  stay  under  cover. 

"Toward  evening  the  Germans  worked  their  way  around  to 
the  rear  of  us,  and  we  were  surrounded  and  captured.     Being 

68 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

the  only  wounded  one,  I  was  taken  to  a  field  hospital,  and  be- 
came separated  from  the  other  members  of  my  patrol.  I  stayed 
in  the  hospital  over  night  and  had  my  wounds  dressed.  I  was 
questioned  by  the  Germans  about  my  regiment  and  division,  but 
refused  to  give  them  any  information.  When  they  found  out 
that  I  wouldn't  tell  anything,  one  of  them  got  out  a  book  about 
ten  inches  thick.  He  opened  it  and  started  telling  me  about  the 
different  units  of  our  army.  He  said  that  the  Fourth  Division 
was  the  best  body  of  troops  they  had  fought  against.  He  told 
me  that  Colonel  Bolles  commanded  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry. 
He  stated  that  the  book  was  full  of  such  information,  and  that 
he  could  tell  me  what  troops  of  my  division  were  in  the  fight  and 
where  they  were  fighting. 

"The  next  morning  I  tried  to  get  away  and  got  about  forty 
yards  from  the  hospital,  when  I  was  discovered  and  carried  back. 
From  here  I  was  taken  to  a  railroad  station  about  six  miles  away, 
put  aboard  a  hospital  train  and  carried  to  Eissen.  We  remained 
there  until  about  four  o'clock  the  next  day.  From  Eissen  I  was 
taken  ten  kilometers  further  to  Limberg  and  placed  in  a  large 
prison  hospital.  There  were  about  2,500  prisoners  here,  the 
greater  part  of  them  French.  I  remained  at  this  place  until  the 
4th  of  October.  During  my  stay  I  talked  with  a  number  of 
prisoners.  All  stated  that  they  were  treated  as  well  as  conditions 
would  allow.  An  American  Lieutenant  told  me  that  when  he 
first  arrived  there  were  sufficient  medical  supplies,  but  that  they 
had  been  used  up,  and  now  nothing  could  be  done  but  dress  the 
wounds.  We  suffered  most  from  lack  of  food.  All  that  we  got 
was  thin  soup  with  an  occasional  piece  of  black  bread.  As  soon 
as  the  Red  Cross  located  us  we  received  boxes  of  food  from  them 
regularly.  When  I  became  able  to  walk  I  was  given  a  pair  of 
crutches  and  allowed  to  go  out  of  the  hospital.  The  only  guards 
were  those  at  the  front  door.  A  short  distance  from  the  hospital 
was  a  canteen  to  which  Americans  were  allowed  to  go.  On 
account  of  the  numerous  escapes,  none  of  the  French  prisoners 
except  officers  were  allowed  to  leave  the  hospital. 

"On  the  4th  of  October  I  decided  that  it  was  time  for  me  to 
leave.  About  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  I  went  to  the  canteen. 
Behind  the  canteen  there  was  a  large  hill  covered  with  pines.  I 
went  from  the  canteen  to  the  hill,  left  my  crutches  there  and  went 
over  the  hill,  where  I  found  a  railroad  track.  Following  this,  I 
finally  found  some  French  troops  and  stayed  with  them  two  days, 
when  I  was  sent  to  the  Eighty-fifth  Division  at  Toul." 

59 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

HEADQUARTERS  FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  September  16,  1918. 
GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  17 

1.     The  following  telegram  from  the  Commander-in-Chief,  Amer- 
ican Expeditionary  Force,  is  published  to  the  command : 

September  15th,  1918. 
Major  General  George  H.  Cameron, 
Commanding  General,  Fifth  Corps, 
Please  extend  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Fifth  Corps  my  sincere 
congratulations  for  the  part  they  have  taken  in  the  first  battle  of  the 
American  Army.  Our  successes  have  thrilled  our  countrymen  and  evoked 
the  enthusiasm  of  all  Allies.  Will  you  convey  to  the  command  my  cordial 
appreciation  of  their  work.     I  am  proud  of  the  accomplishment. 

Pershing 
Official:  By  Command  of  Major  General  Cameron: 

Harry  C.  Kaefrixg,  Brigadier   General,   Chief  of  Staff 

Adjutant  General.  W.  B.  Burtt, 

HEADQUARTERS  FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  September  17,  1918. 
GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  18 
1.     The    following   telegram   of   the   Commanding   General,    First 
Army  is  published  to  the  command : 

September  15,  1918. 
Commanding  General, 
Fifth  Corps, 
Number  105  Sec.  G.  S.  The  Army  Commander  directs  that  the 
following  message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  trans- 
mitted to  you  for  transmission  to  all  troops  of  your  command : 
"Washington,  September  14th.  To  General  John  J.  Pershing,  American 
Expeditionary  Forces,  France. — Accept  my  warmest  congratulations  on 
the  brilliant  achievements  of  the  Army  under  your  command.  The  boys 
have  done  what  we  expected  of  them  and  have  done  it  in  the  way  we 
most  admire.  We  are  deeply  proud  of  them  and  of  their  achievements. 
Please  convey  to  all  concerned  my  grateful  and  affectionate  thanks. 
(Signed)  Woodrow  Wilson." 

Drum 
Official:  By  Co?nmand  of  Major  General  Cameron: 

Harry  C.  Kaefring,  W.  B.  Burtt, 

Adjutant  General.  Brigadier  General,  Chief  of  Staff. 

70 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

(For  Official  Circulation  Only)  (G.O.  238) 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 

AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  238 

France,  December  26th,  1918. 

It  is  with  soldierly  pride  that  I  record  in  General  Orders  a  tribute  to 
the  taking  of  the  St.  Mihiel  salient  by  the  First  Army. 

On  September  12th,  1918,  you  delivered  the  first  concerted  offensive 
operation  of  the  American  Expeditionary  Forces  upon  difficult  terrain 
against  this  redoubtable  position,  immovably  held  for  four  years,  which 
crumpled  before  your  ably  executed  advance.  Within  twenty-four  hours 
of  the  commencement  of  the  attack  the  salient  had  ceased  to  exist  and 
you  were  threatening  Metz. 

Your  divisions,  which  had  never  been  tried  in  the  exacting  conditions 
of  major  offensive  operations,  worthily  emulated  those  of  more  arduous 
experience  and  earned  their  right  to  participate  in  the  more  difficult  task 
to  come.  Your  staff  and  auxiliary  services,  which  labored  so  untiringly 
and  so  enthusiastically,  deserve  equal  commendation,  and  we  are  indebted 
to  the  willing  cooperation  of  veteran  French  divisions  and  of  auxiliary 
units  which  the  Allied  commands  put  at  our  disposal. 

Not  only  did  you  straighten  out  a  dangerous  salient,  capture  16,000 
prisoners  and  443  guns,  and  liberate  240  square  miles  of  French  territory, 
but  you  demonstrated  the  fitness  for  battle  of  a  unified  American  Army. 

We  appreciate  the  loyal  training  and  effort  of  the  First  Army.  In 
the  name  of  our  country,  I  offer  our  hearty  and  unmeasured  thanks  to 
these  splendid  Americans  of  the  First,  Fourth,  and  Fifth  Corps,  and  of 
the  First,  Second,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Twenty-sixth,  Forty-second,  Eighty- 
second,  Eighty-ninth  and  Ninetieth  Divisions,  which  were  engaged,  and 
of  the  Third,  Thirty-fifth,  Seventy-eighth,  Eightieth  and  Ninety-first 
Divisions  which  were  in  reserve. 

This  order  will  be  read  to  all  organizations  at  the  first  assembly 
formation  after  its  receipt. 

By  Command  of  General  Pershing: 
James  W.  McAndrew,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


71 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


( For  Official  Circulation  Only )  ( G.O.  1 43 ) 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  August  28th,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  143 

It  fills  me  with  pride  to  record  in  General  Orders  a  tribute  to  the 
service  and  achievements  of  the  First  and  Third  Corps,  comprising  the 
First,  Second,  Third,  Fourth,  Twenty-sixth,  Twenty-eighth,  Thirty- 
second,  and  Forty-second  Divisions  of  the  American  Expeditionary 
Forces. 

You  came  to  the  battlefield  at  the  crucial  hour  of  the  Allied  cause. 
For  almost  four  years  the  most  formidable  army  the  world  has  as  yet 
seen  had  pressed  its  invasion  of  France,  and  stood  threatening  its  capital. 
At  no  time  had  that  army  been  more  powerful  or  menacing  than  when 
on  July  15th  it  struck  again  to  destroy  in  one  great  battle  the  brave  men 
opposed  to  it  and  to  enforce  its  brutal  will  upon  the  world  and  civilization. 

Three  days  later,  in  conjunction  with  our  Allies,  you  counterattacked. 
The  Allied  Armies  gained  a  brilliant  victory  that  marks  the  turning  point 
of  the  war.  You  did  more  than  give  our  brave  Allies  the  support  to 
which  as  a  nation  our  faith  was  pledged.  You  proved  that  our  altruism, 
our  pacific  spirit,  our  sense  of  justice  have  not  blunted  our  virility  or  our 
courage.  You  have  shown  that  American  initiative  and  energy  are  as 
fit  for  the  test  of  war  as  for  the  pursuits  of  peace.  You  have  justly  won 
the  unstinted  praise  of  our  Allies  and  the  eternal  gratitude  of  our  country. 

We  have  paid  for  our  success  in  the  lives  of  many  of  our  brave  com- 
rades. We  shall  cherish  their  memory  always,  and  claim  for  our  history 
and  literature  their  bravery,  achievement  and  sacrifice. 

This  order  will  be  read  to  all  organizations  at  the  first  assembly 
formation  after  its  receipt. 

John  J.  Pershing, 

General,  Commander-in-Chief. 
Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


72 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


HEADQUARTERS 

THIRD  ARMY  CORPS 

AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  October  5th,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  29 

2.  The  Corps  Commander,  in  General  Orders,  cites  the  gallant 
conduct  of  the  Fourth  Division,  especially  the  Seventh  and  Eighth  In- 
fantry Brigades  in  the  seizure,  against  great  difficulties,  of  the  Bois  de 
Fay  and  the  holding  of  it  against  repeated  and  determined  counter  at- 
tacks between  September  26th  and  October  5th.  You  are  there.  Stay 
there. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  Bullard: 
A.  W.  Bjornstad, 

Brigadier  General,  G.  S.,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Official  : 

David  O'Keefe,  Adjutant  General. 


73 


Advance  Through  Bois  de  Fay  and 
Bois  de  Malaumont 

AS  a  part  of  the  Division  reserve  ten  disagreeable  days  were 
spent  in  the  Bois  de  Septsarges.  The  Germans  bombarded 
"  the  woods  regularly  and  caused  a  number  of  casualties.  On 
October  5th  a  high  explosive  shell  made  a  direct  hit  on  "I"  Com- 
pany's kitchen,  killing  one  man  and  wounding  several.  Cook 
Albert  Bergonzie  was  killed  instantly;  Cook  John  Shoemaker 
lost  a  leg,  and  Lieutenant  Slagel  and  Sergeant  Harvey  F.  Parker 
were  wounded.  The  kitchen  was  in  a  clearing  near  the  area 
occupied  by  the  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion.  When  the 
shell  exploded  twelve  men  from  this  organization  were  wounded. 

While  the  Seventh  Brigade  was  in  reserve  the  Eighth 
Brigade  had  been  ordered  to  capture  the  Bois  de  Fay,  Bois  de 
Malaumont  and  Bois  de  Foret,  and  thus  outflank  Brieulles-sur- 
Meuse.  The  attack  of  the  Eighth  Brigade  had  advanced  to  the 
northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Fay  when  the  Seventh  Brigade  was 
ordered  to  relieve  the  Eighth  and  continue  the  attack. 

On  the  afternoon  of  October  9th  the  Third  Battalion,  com- 
manded by  Captain  Wood,  moved  forward  under  the  cover  of 
fog  and  occupied  a  position  in  the  northern  edge  of  the 
Bois  de  Fay,  directly  south  of  the  Fond  de  Ville  aux  Bois. 
"K"  Company  was  on  the  right  and  "M"  Company  on  the  left  of 
the  assault  line;  "I"  Company  supporting  "K,"  and  "L"  Com- 
pany supporting  "M."  The  attack  was  to  be  made  through  the 
Bois  de  Malaumont,  penetrating  to  the  north  and  establishing  the 
line  on  Hill  299.  At  five  o'clock  the  attack  was  to  begin,  but  at  this 
hour  a  German  barrage  was  accurately  dropped  on  the  forward 
and  support  positions  of  the  assault  battalion.  This  combined 
with  the  terrific  fire  from  machine  guns  east  of  the  Bois  de 
Malaumont  made  it  impossible  for  the  movement  to  progress. 
The  Battalion  remained  here  for  the  night,  but  suffered  a  large 

75 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

number  of  casualties.  The  First  and  Second  Battalions  were 
ordered  to  move  at  seven  o'clock  under  cover  of  a  smoke  screen 
and  occupy  positions  in  the  Bois  de  Fay  to  support  the  attack. 
The  smoke  screen  was  put  down  before  the  designated  hour,  how- 
ever,and  the  Germans  began  a  heavy  bombardment  with  77's,  88's 
and  155's  of  the  entire  zone  between  the  Bois  de  Fay,  Bois  de 
Brieulles  and  Bois  de  Septsarges.  Shells  were  dropped  at  the 
rate  of  twenty  per  minute  on  the  southern  edge  of  the  Bois  de 
Fay,  and  made  it  inadvisable  for  the  troops  to  move  forward. 
Both  Battalions  remained  in  their  positions  in  the  Bois  de 
Septsarges  until  after  midnight. 

Early  the  next  morning  the  Second  Battalion  was  ordered  to 
make  the  attack  with  the  First  Battalion  in  support.  The  two 
battalions  moved  forward  to  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Fay 
arriving  there  a  little  before  daylight.  Only  one  path  led 
through  the  woods  to  the  front;  this  was  strewn  with  the  dead  of 
both  sides.  In  one  spot  lay  more  than  sixty  men  and  in  another 
place  over  two  hundred.  Not  only  was  the  march  up  gruesome, 
but  very  difficult  on  account  of  the  thick  growTth  of  underbrush 
and  the  innumerable  trees  the  Germans  had  felled  across  the 
path.  To  further  impede  the  progress  of  the  advancing  troops 
the  underbrush  and  trees  had  been  bound  together  with  a  mass 
of  barbed  wire. 

Arriving  at  the  northern  edge  of  the  forest  the  Second 
Battalion  took  up  position  preparatory  for  the  attack  with  "H" 
Company  on  the  left  supported  by  "F;"  and  "G"  Company  on 
the  right  supported  by  "E."  The  First  Battalion  moved  up  in 
support  position.  At  seven  o'clock,  October  10th,  the  attack  began, 
and  in  spite  of  spirited  resistance  the  lines  moved  forward.  A 
few  minutes  after  the  advance  started,  Captain  Norton,  who  com- 
manded the  battalion,  had  his  pipe  shot  out  of  his  mouth  by  a 
German  sniper.  Early  in  the  day  Colonel  Parsons  and  his  entire 
staff  were  gassed.  Captain  Plumley,  the  Regimental  Adjutant, 
although  badly  gassed  refused  to  be  evacuated,  and  remained  in 
action  with  the  troops  until  disabled  by  temporary  blindness  the 
follow  morning.  For  his  heroism  he  was  awarded  the  Dis- 
tinguished Service  Cross.  To  supply  Field  Officers  General 
Poore  sent  forward  Lieutenant  Colonel  Middleton  of  the  Forty- 
seventh  Infantry  and  Major  Waltz  of  the  Eleventh  Machine  Gun 
Battalion. 

The  trails  through  the  Bois  de  Malaumont  were  entirely 
blocked  by  fallen  trees,  and  the  underbrush,  wired  together  with 

76 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Dun-sur-Meuse — Scale  I  : 20,000 


.dT/r 


^Principal  Highway 
-Secondary  Roads 


11 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

barbed  wire,  was  so  dense  as  to  make  forward  movement  prac- 
tically impossible.    The  Second  Battalion,  however,  infiltrated  as 
far  as  the  Gunel — Brieulles  Road,  pushing  the  attack  forward 
through  the  Bois  de  Peut  de  Faux,  where  obstructions  of  fallen 
trees  and  wired  undergrowth  were  again  encountered.     The 
northern  edge  of  the  forest  was  reached  at  half  past  one  o'clock. 
In  advancing  the  units  became  mixed,  and  a  halt  was  made  in 
order  to  reorganize  the  line.  While  halted  here  Sergeant  Thomas 
Norton  brought  up  a  one-pounder  and  put  out  of  action  an  enemy 
machine  gun  that  was  giving  much  annoyance  to  the  right  flank. 
At  5  130  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  reconnaissance  in  force  in  the 
Bois  de  Foret  was  begun.    The  Germans,  however,  opened  up 
with  such  a  withering  machine  gun  fire  that  heavy  casualties 
were  incurred  and  the  reconnoitering  parties  withdrawn.     A 
flanking  movement  was  directed  in  order  to  capture  the  trenches 
southeast  of  the  Bois  de  Foret.    With  a  platoon  of  thirty  men, 
Lieutenant  James  Edmunds  rushed  the  German  position  and  in 
the  hand  to  hand  fighting  which  followed  cleared  the  several 
trenches  in  that  locality.     He  then  started  forward  in  the  Bois 
de  Foret  to  break  up  the  German  resistance  in  the  southern  edge 
of  the  woods.    Heavy  machine  gun  fire  from  Cunel  and  from  the 
southern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  la  Pultiere,  however,  caused  the 
flanking  party  to  seek  shelter  in  the  recently  captured  trenches. 
The  battalion  took  position  for  the  night  in  the  northern  edge  of 
the  Bois  Peut  de  Faux.     From  eight  to  eleven  o'clock  enemy 
flares  made  the  night  as  bright  as  day,  and  an  incessant  machine 
gun  fire  was  kept  up  to  prevent  another  attempt  on  their  posi- 
tions.   Before  daylight  Lieutenant  Edmunds  and  the  remainder 
of  his  party  filtered  back  into  our  lines,  bringing  all  the  dead  and 
wounded. 

During  the  night  plans  were  made  for  a  general  attack  along 
the  entire  front. 

At  twenty-eight  minutes  past  seven  on  the  morning  of  October 
1  ith,  following  closely  behind  a  well-placed  barrage,  the  Second 
Battalion  moved  forward  and  in  spite  of  the  terrific  machine  gun 
fire  and  heavy  casualties  advanced  steadily.  Two  minutes  later 
the  entire  front  line  rushed  with  a  yell,  that  could  be  heard  above 
the  din  of  battle,  taking  the  German  position  in  the  Bois  de  Foret 
with  the  bayonet.  The  fighting  was  fierce,  but  lasted  only  a  few 
seconds.  In  that  short  time,  however,  two  German  officers,  a 
number  of  soldiers,  many  minenwerfers  and  a  great  number  of 
machine  guns  were  captured.    On  the  left,  Lieutenant  Dickson 

78 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

of  the  Thirty-ninth  Machine  Gun  Company,  moved  forward 
with  the  attacking  elements  in  order  to  be  able  to  set  his  guns  as 
soon  as  the  line  was  established.  Getting  ahead  of  the  line,  Lieu- 
tenant Dickson  with  several  of  his  liaison  agents  succeeded  in 
passing  unharmed  through  machine  gun  fire,  cut  an  enemy  ma- 
chine gun  company  in  two,  capturing  twenty-five  prisoners  and 
routing  the  remainder.  The  Germans  abandoned  their  guns, 
which  were  of  the  light  type.  "H"  Company  on  the  left  flank, 
pressing  closely  on  Lieutenant  Dickson,  relieved  him  of  his 
prisoners,  mopped  up  the  trenches  dug  during  the  night,  and 
advanced  to  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret.  Being 
slightly  ahead  of  the  line,  the  company  halted  and  waited  for  the 
remainder  of  the  Battalion  to  come  up. 

Reaching  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret  an  attempt 
was  made  to  establish  liaison  with  the  Eightieth  Division  on  the 
left,  but  Lieutenant  Dickson,  who  commanded  the  liaison  group 
(Machine  Gun  Company  and  "L"  Company) ,  was  unable  to  gain 
contact.  At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  a  heavy  counter  attack 
from  the  Bois  de  la  Pultiere  was  repulsed  by  the  Thirty-ninth 
Machine  Gun  Company.  Twice  during  the  afternoon  the  Ger- 
mans made  attempts  to  infiltrate  our  positions,  but  were  driven  off 
with  heavy  losses. 

While  the  Second  Battalion  was  establishing  its  line  in  the 
northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret,  the  First  Battalion  executed 
a  right  turn  and  established  a  north  and  south  line  in  the  Bois  de 
Foret  northwest  of  Brieulles  to  resist  counter  attacks  from  the 
east.  Later  in  the  afternoon  this  line  was  relieved  by  the  Second 
Battalion  Forty-seventh  Infantry;  the  First  Battalion  then  mov- 
ing up  to  reinforce  the  Second.  Elements  of  the  Eleventh  Ma- 
chine Gun  Battalion,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Flynn,  also 
reinforced  the  front  lines.  During  the  day  the  machine  gunners 
kept  up  a  constant  fire  on  Hill  299  and  the  German  positions  on 
both  flanks.  The  advance  rested  on  the  nth  with  the  lines 
established  in  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret.  During 
the  night  several  patrols  were  sent  out  and  succeeded  in  penetrat- 
ing beyond  Hill  299. 

On  the  morning  of  October  12th  "L"  Company,  One  Hun- 
dred and  Thirty-second  Infantry,  Thirty-third  Division,  under 
command  of  Captain  Wise,  reported  as  reinforcement  and  was 
used  to  strengthen  the  left  flank  of  the  Second  Battalion.  A  patrol 
of  fifteen  men  from  this  company  crawled  across  "No  Man's 
Land"  to  a  small  clump  of  woods  between  the  forest  and  Hill 

79 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY       IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Crossing  an  open  field  in  the  advance  on  Nantillois. 
Lower:    Machine  Gunners  advancing  towards  Nantillois. 


80 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

299,  and  remained  there  in  observation  during  the  day.  At  eleven 
o'clock  in  the  morning  a  counter  attack  from  the  Bois  de  la  Pul- 
tiere  was  repulsed  with  ease.  Later  an  enemy  movement  in  force 
from  the  woods  west  of  Hill  299  was  observed  moving  in  a  gen- 
eral northeasterly  direction.  Machine  guns  played  upon  the 
troops  incessantly  and  inflicted  heavy  losses.  Twice  during  the 
day  the  enemy  in  force  was  seen  on  the  ridge  east  of  Hill  299.  On 
both  occasions  he  was  put  to  rout  by  the  machine  guns  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Flynn.  At  12:30  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
a  heavy  artillery  barrage  was  dropped  on  the  front  lines,  causing 
a  withdrawal  to  the  southern  edge  of  the  forest.  The  barrage 
lasted  two  hours  and  cost  the  Regiment  three  hundred  casualties. 
As  soon  as  the  barrage  lifted  the  troops  moved  forward  again  and 
occupied  the  position  on  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret. 

At  three  o'clock  forty  men  from  the  Third  Battalion,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  de  Graft,  were  sent  to  fill  a  gap  which 
had  occurred  in  the  line  held  by  the  Second  Battalion  Forty-sev- 
enth Infantry.  At  the  same  time  patrols  were  sent  out  to  recon- 
noiter  the  Bois  de  Foret  to  its  eastern  edge.  These  returned 
within  three  hours,  reporting  that  the  woods  to  the  east  were  held 
in  force  by  the  Germans.  The  remainder  of  the  day  was  marked 
by  continuous  machine  gun  fire  from  Cunel,  the  Bois  de  la  Pul- 
tiere  and  emplacements  in  the  vicinity  of  Hill  299. 

In  the  counter  attacks  attempted  in  the  morning  a  number  of 
Germans  took  cover  in  gravel  pits  on  the  southern  slope  of  Hill 
299.  Sergeant  Thompson  of  "H"  Company  discovered  this,  and 
crawled  forward  in  "No  Man's  Land,"  taking  a  seat  with  his  back 
against  a  tree.  As  soon  as  a  German  showed  his  head  in  an  attempt 
to  rejoin  his  company,  Sergeant  Thompson  picked  him  off.  Re- 
maining at  his  post  until  darkness  fell,  the  Sergeant  "sniped" 
more  than  a  half  hundred  Boches. 

Communication  could  be  maintained  only  by  means  of  run- 
ners and  that  at  a  great  sacrifice  of  life.  With  his  P.  C.  in  the 
Bois  de  Malaumont,  Major  Waltz  was  attempting  to  get  a  mes- 
sage through  to  the  front  line  in  the  Bois  de  Foret.  After  two 
runners  had  been  wounded  in  the  attempt,  Private  James  (Jim- 
mie)  Wilson  of  "H"  Company  volunteered.  He  succeeded  in 
making  the  return  trip  safely,  but  was  killed  by  shell  fire  the  day 
following.  Thirteen  other  runners  were  wounded  in  the  Bois  de 
Malaumont  near  Major  Waltz's  P.  C.  .  Private  Joe  Smith  of 
Company  "C"  was  awarded  the  Distinguished  Service  Cross  for 
gallantry  in  action  in  these  woods. 

81 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY       IN       THE       WORLD      WAR 

On  the  night  of  the  12th  outposts  were  established  five  hun- 
dred yards  north  of  the  northern  edge  of  the  Bois  de  Foret.  At 
nine  o'clock  it  was  reported  that  the  enemy  was  attempting  to  in- 
filtrate the  position.  The  outposts  were  drawn  back  to  the  front 
line  and  a  rocket  fired  over  "No  Man's  Land."  By  the  light  of 
the  rocket  several  figures  were  seen  approaching  from  the 
direction  of  Hill  299.  Machine  gun  fire  was  opened  and  con- 
tinued for  twenty-five  minutes.  A  second  rocket  was  fired,  but  no 
enemy  could  be  seen.  The  outpost  line  was  then  reestablished  to 
the  north  and  towards  the  Bois  de  la  Pultiere,  being  withdrawn 
again  at  dawn.  During  the  night  a  few  shells  fell  in  the  area,  but 
caused  no  casualties.  Slight  casualties  were  caused  by  intermit- 
tent machine  gun  fire  from  the  north,  east  and  west.  Early  in  the 
morning  of  the  13th  the  Germans  attempted  a  counter  attack 
from  the  east  through  the  Bois  de  Foret.  Machine  gunners  from 
the  Eleventh  Machine  Gun  Battalion,  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Arnett,  repulsed  it  by  fire  from  two  Hotchkiss  and  one 
captured  gun.  On  the  night  of  the  12th,  the  front  line  was  the 
same  as  on  the  night  of  the  nth. 

In  both  the  Bois  de  Foret  and  Bois  de  Malaumont  the  Ger- 
mans had  elaborate  arrangements  for  comfort  and  pleasure. 
Shacks  had  been  erected  with  dugouts  nearby;  board  walks  con- 
nected the  buildings  with  each  other  and  with  the  dugouts.  Both 
the  buildings  and  dugouts  were  lighted  by  electricity.  Moving 
picture  shows  and  beer  gardens  were  also  found. 

The  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  was  now  in  a  deep  salient  at  the 
Army  objective,  and  as  ordered  was  determined  to  "stay  there." 
But  "staying  there"  became  costly  and  was  a  severe  test  of  nerve 
and  morale. 

Machine  gun,  minenwerfer  and  shell  fire  came  from  the  left 
flank,  front,  and  right  flank.  At  night  gas  shells  flooded  the  whole 
area,  the  valleys  being  covered  by  a  dense  gas  fog.  Under  these 
conditions  the  Regiment  "stayed"  until  relieved  on  the  morning 
of  October  13th.  Early  on  this  date  troops  from  the  Fourth  In- 
fantry, Third  Division,  took  over  the  position.  The  Regiment 
then  returned  to  the  Bois  de  Septsarges,  where  another  week  was 
spent  in  trench  digging  and  organizing  a  defensive  position. 

In  the  gruelling  fighting  of  October  10th,  nth  and  12th  the 
Regiment  had  again  lost  more  than  one  hundred  killed  and  five 
hundred  wounded  and  missing.  An  indication  of  the  fierceness 
with  which  the  enemy  fought  is  the  fact  that  in  this  last  advance 
of  six  kilometers  only  two  hundred  prisoners,  including  four 

82 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Shell  fire  on  Hill  299. 

Lower:    Returning  from  Bois  de  Ogons  after  being  relieved  by  the  58th  Infantry. 


83 


THE       THIRTY- NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

officers,  were  taken.  The  captured  material  included  a  large 
number  of  machine  guns,  and  cannon  of  various  calibre. 

The  Thirty-ninth  had  now  been  in  the  Meuse-Argonne 
operation  for  seventeen  days,  six  days  of  that  time  (September 
26th,  27th,  28th,  and  October  10th,  nth,  and  12th)  occupying 
the  front  line  and  making  vigorous  assaults.  An  advance  of 
eleven  kilometers  was  made  in  the  September  fighting,  and  three 
kilometers  in  October,  a  total  advance  of  fourteen  kilometers 
against  a  most  stubborn  and  determined  enemy  resistance.  On 
the  26th  of  September  the  Regiment  penetrated  the  enemy  line 
deeper  than  any  other  troops  engaged,  and  on  the  same  day  had 
made  possible  the  capture  of  the  important  town  of  Montfau- 
con.  These  successes  had  not  been  achieved,  however,  without 
heavy  losses.  In  the  six  days'  engagements  the  Regiment  lost 
1,187  m  wounded  and  292  in  killed.  Though  depleted  in  num- 
bers, the  spirit  and  morale  of  the  troops  was  never  higher.  Those 
who  had  come  through  the  fighting  unscathed  were  filled  with  a 
determination  to  vindicate  their  comrades  who  had  so  bravely 
made  the  supreme  sacrifice. 

In  the  evening  of  October  18th  the  Regiment  left  the  Bois 
de  Septsarges  for  Raulecourt,  marching  via  Bois  de  Hesse,  Bois 
de  Sivry,  Autrecourt,  Issoncourt  and  Lerouville.  Arriving  at 
Raulecourt  on  October  26th,  ten  days  were  spent  in  delousing,  re- 
equipping,  and  work  on  the  target  range.  At  four  o'clock  on 
the  morning  of  November  6th  the  Regiment  marched  to  Jouy, 
where  it  embussed  for  Bier court.  Remaining  there  for  two  days 
a  move  was  made  by  bus  to  Vignot.  On  the  day  following, 
November  10th,  the  regiment  moved  to  the  Bois  de  la  Belle 
Ozieres  near  Heudicourt,  preparatory  to  participation  in  the 
next  great  American  drive  which  was  to  begin  on  November 
1 2th,  in  the  St.  Mihiel  sector,  in  the  direction  of  Briey.  The 
signing  of  the  armistice  on  the  nth,  however,  ended  the  fighting 
career  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  in  the  World  War. 

On  the  evening  of  the  12th  the  troops  bivouacked  in  a  field  to 
the  west  of  the  Bois  de  la  Belle  Ozieres.  The  following  day  a 
move  was  made  by  march  to  Commercy,  where  the  Regiment 
went  into  billets. 


84 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

HEADQUARTERS  FOURTH  DIVISION 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  28th  October,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  71. 

Now  that  the  Fourth  Division  has  been  withdrawn  from  what  may 
be  termed  the  first  phase  of  the  Argonnc,  it  is  appropriate  to  review  its 
achievements. 

From  September  26th  to  October  13th,  1918,  the  Fourth  Division, 
as  a  part  of  the  Third  Corps,  First  American  Army,  took  part  in  the 
attack  on  the  enemy  positions  between  the  Argonne  Forest  and  the  Meuse. 

These  positions  were  of  exceptional  strength,  having  been  in  existence 
practically  since  the  beginning  of  the  war,  and  their  natural  features  had 
been  strengthened  with  all  the  skill  and  ingenuity  which  the  German 
Army,  with  years  of  experience  behind  it,  could  bring  to  the  task. 

On  the  first  day  the  Division  penetrated  these  defenses  to  a  depth  of 
about  seven  kilometers.  In  the  days  following,  its  lines  were  advanced 
six  kilometers,  in  the  face  of  strong  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 
All  ground  won  was  held  under  the  most  trying  and  difficult  circum- 
stances ;  under  fire  of  all  kinds,  both  from  the  front  and  the  flanks ;  the 
Fourth  Division  being  at  all  times  in  advance  of  the  other  divisions  of 
the  First  Army. 

During  the  period  when  the  Division  was  engaged,  it  had  opposed  to 
it,  all  or  parts  of  seven  German  Divisions,  two  being  rated  as  among  the 
best  in  the  German  Army.  Of  these,  the  Twenty-eighth  Division  is 
known  as  the  Kaiser's  Favorite. 

The  Division  captured  2,731  prisoners,  of  whom  71  were  officers; 
47  field  guns  of  calibre  up  to  150  mm.;  and  many  minenwerfer  and 
machine  guns,  as  well  as  a  great  quantity  of  small  arms  and  ammunition. 

It  is  with  deep  pride  and  satisfaction  that  the  Division  Commander 
publishes  these  results.  They  have  been  gained  in  the  face  of  the  most 
determined  resistance  and  at  great  cost.  No  men  have  borne  themselves 
more  gallantly  than  the  men  of  this  Division.  No  Division  in  France 
has  more  cause  to  be  proud  of  its  achievements.  Where  all  have  done  so 
well,  it  is  impossible  to  single  out  units  or  individuals  for  special  com- 
mendation, infantry,  artillery,  engineers,  machine  guns,  signal  corps, 
medical  service,  trains,  military  police,  by  splendid  team  work  and  single 
hearted  devotion  to  duty,  have  all  contributed  their  share  to  the  success 
we  have  won. 

We  mourn  our  dead.  Those  of  us  who  remain  pledge  ourselves 
anew  for  effort  and  sacrifice,  proud  of  our  privilege  of  representing  the 
American  people  in  the  struggle  for  world  freedom. 

85 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

With  pride,  born  of  past  achievements,  the  members  of  "Ivy"  Divi- 
sion look  forward  to  sharing  in  the  great  and  final  victory  of  our 
Armies — a  victory  that  cannot  long  be  delayed. 

This  order  will  be  read  to  each  organization  at  the  first  assembly 
after  its  receipt. 

By  Command  of  Brigadier  General  Poore; 

C.  A.  Bach, 
Colonel,  General  Staff,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Official: 

Lon.  S.  Haymens, 

Captain,  A.  G.  D.,  Adjutant. 


86 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


(For  Official  Circulation  Only)  (G.  O.  203) 


GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  November  12,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  203. 

The  enemy  has  capitulated.  It  is  fitting  that  I  address  myself  in 
thanks  directly  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  American  Expeditionary 
Forces  who  by  their  heroic  efforts  have  made  possible  this  glorious  result. 
Our  armies,  hurriedly  raised  and  hastily  trained,  met  a  veteran  enemy, 
and  by  courage,  discipline  and  skill  always  defeated  him.  Without 
complaint  you  have  endured  incessant  toil,  privation  and  danger.  You 
have  seen  many  of  your  comrades  make  the  supreme  sacrifice  that  free- 
dom may  live.  I  thank  you  for  the  patience  and  courage  with  which 
you  have  endured.  I  congratulate  you  upon  the  splendid  fruits  of 
victory  which  your  heroism  and  the  blood  of  our  gallant  dead  are  now 
presenting  to  our  nation.  Your  deeds  will  live  forever  on  the  most 
glorious  pages  of  American  history. 

Those  things  you  have  done.  There  remains  now  a  harder  task 
which  will  test  your  soldierly  qualities  to  the  utmost.  Succeed  in  this 
and  little  note  will  be  taken  and  few  praises  will  be  sung;  fail,  and  the 
light  of  your  glorious  achievements  of  the  past  will  sadly  be  dimmed. 
But  you  will  not  fail.  Every  natural  tendency  may  urge  towards  re- 
laxation in  discipline,  in  conduct,  in  appearance,  in  everything  that  marks 
the  soldier.  Yet  you  will  remember  that  each  officer  and  each  soldier  is 
the  representative  in  Europe  of  his  people  and  that  his  brilliant  deeds  of 
yesterday  permit  no  action  of  today  to  pass  unnoticed  by  friend  or  by  foe. 
You  will  meet  this  test  as  gallantly  as  you  have  met  the  tests  of  the 
battlefield.  Sustained  by  your  high  ideals  and  inspired  by  the  heroic 
part  you  have  played,  you  will  carry  back  to  our  people  the  proud  con- 
sciousness of  the  new  Americanism  borne  of  sacrifice.  Whether  you 
stand  on  hostile  territory  or  on  the  friendly  soil  of  France,  you  will  so 
bear  yourself  in  discipline,  appearance  and  respect  for  all  civil  rights  that 
you  will  confirm  for  all  time  the  pride  and  love  which  every  American 
feels  for  your  uniform  and  for  you. 

John  J.  Pershing, 
General,  Commander-in-Chief  ~ 

Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


87 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


(For  Official  Circulation  Only)  (G.  O.  204) 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  November  13,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  204. 

The  following  communication  from  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
Allied  Armies  is  published  to  the  command : 

G.  Q.  G.  A.,  le  12  novembre  1918. 
Officiers,  Sous-Officiers,  Soldats  des  Armees  Alliees: 

Apres  avoir  resoliiment  arrete  l'ennemi,  vous  l'avez,  pendant  des 
mois,  avec  une  foi  et  une  energie  inlassables,  attaque  sans  repit. 

Vous  avez  gagne  la  plus  grande  bataille  de  l'histoire  et  sauve  la 
cause  la  plus  sacree:  la  Liberte  du  Monde. 

Soyez  fiers ! 

D'une  gloire  immortelle  vouz  avez  pare  vos  drapeaux. 

La  posterite  vous  garde  sa  reconnaissance. 

Le  Marechal  de  France, 

Commandant  en  Chef  les  Armees  Alliees'- 
F.  Foch. 

By  Command  of  General  Pershing: 

James  W.  McAndrew,  Chief  of  Staff. 

Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


88 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

(Translation) 

(For  Official  Circulation  Only)  (G.  O.  204) 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  November  13,  1918. 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  204. 

The  following  communication  from  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
Allied  Armies  is  published  to  the  command : 

General  Headquarters,  12  November,  1918. 
Officers,  N on-Commissioned  Officers,  and  Soldiers  of  the  Allied  Armies: 

After  resolutely  stopping  the  enemy,  you  have  during  months,  with 
courage  and  energy,  unfailing  attacked  without  falling  back. 

You  have  won  the  greatest  war  of  history  and  saved  the  most  sacred 
cause:  the  Liberty  of  the  World. 

Rejoice! 

You  have  immortal  glory  for  your  flags. 

Posterity  will  keep  your  rememberances. 

The  Marshal  of  France, 
Commander-in-Chief  of  The  Allied  Armies. 
F.  Foch. 

By  Command  of  General  Pershing: 

James  W.  McAndrews,  Chief  of  Staff. 

Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


89 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

(For  Official  Circulation  Only)  (G.  O.  232) 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

France,  December  19,  1918- 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  232. 

It  is  with  a  sense  of  gratitude  for  its  splendid  accomplishment,  which 
will  live  through  all  history,  that  I  record  in  General  Orders  a  tribute 
to  the  victory  of  the  First  Army  in  Meuse-Argonne  Battle. 

Tested  and  strengthened  by  the  reduction  of  the  St.  Mihiel  salient,, 
for  more  than  six  weeks  you  battered  against  the  pivot  of  the  enemy 
lines  on  the  Western  front. 

It  was  a  position  of  imposing  natural  strength,  stretching  on  both 
sides  of  the  Meuse  River  from  the  bitterly  contested  hills  of  Verdun  to 
the  almost  impenetrable  forests  of  the  Argonne;  a  position,  moreover, 
fortified  by  four  years  of  labor  designed  to  render  it  impregnable;  a 
position  held  with  the  fullest  resources  of  the  enemy.  That  position  you 
broke  utterly,  and  thereby  hastened  the  collapse  of  the  enemy's  military 
power. 

Soldiers  of  all  of  the  divisions  engaged  under  the  First,  Third  and 
Fifth  American  Corps  and  the  Second  Colonial  and  Seventeenth  Corps — 
the  First,  Second,  Third,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Twenty-sixth,  Twenty-eighth, 
Twenty-ninth,  Thirty-second,  Thirty-third,  Thirty-seventh,  Forty- 
second,  Seventy-seventh,  Seventy-eighth,  Seventy-ninth,  Eightieth,  Eighty- 
first,  Eighty-second,  Eighty-ninth,  Ninetieth  and  Ninety-first  American 
Divisions,  the  Eighteenth  and  Twenty-six  French  Divisions,  and  the 
Tenth  and  Fifteenth  French  Colonial  Divisions — you  will  be  long  re- 
membered for  the  stubborn  persistance  of  your  progress,  your  storming 
of  obstinately  defended  machine  gun  nests,  your  penetration,  yard  by 
yard,  of  woods  and  ravines,  your  heroic  resistance  in  the  face  of  counter- 
attacks supported  by  powerful  artillery  fire.  For  more  than  a  month, 
from  the  initial  attack  of  September  26th,  you  fought  your  way  slowly 
through  the  Argonne,  through  the  woods  and.  over  the  hills  west  of  the 
Meuse ;  you  slowly  enlarged  your  hold  on  the  Cotes  de  Meuse  to  the  east 
and  then  on  the  first  of  November,  your  attack  forced  the  enemy  into 
flight.  Pressing  his  retreat,  you  cleared  the  entire  left  bank  of  the  Meuse 
south  of  Sedan,  and  then  stormed  the  heights  on  the  right  bank  and 
drove  him  into  the  plain  beyond. 

Soldiers  of  all  Army  and  Corps  troops  engaged,  to  you  no  less  credit 
is  due ;  your  steadfast  adherance  to  duty  and  your  dogged  determination 
in  the  face  of  all  obstacles  made  possible  the  heroic  deeds  cited  above. 

90 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

The  achievement  of  the  First  Army,  which  is  scarcely  to  be  equalled 
in  American  history,  must  remain  a  source  of  proud  satisfaction  to  the 
troops  who  participated  in  the  last  campaign  of  the  war.  The  American 
people  will  remember  it  as  the  realization  of  the  hitherto  potential 
strength  of  the  American  contribution  towards  the  cause  to  which  they 
had  sworn  allegiance.  There  can  be  no  greater  reward  for  a  soldier  or 
for  a  soldier's  memory. 

This  order  will  be  read  to  all  organizations  at  the  first  assembly 
formation  after  its  receipt. 

John  J.  Pershing, 
General,  Commander-in-Chief ' , 

American  Expeditionary  Forces. 
Official  : 

Robert  C.  Davis,  Adjutant  General. 


91 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Roster  of 
Men  Killed  in  Action 


Aisne-Marne  Offensive:  Vicinity  ofNoroy,  Troesnes  and  Chouy- 
sur-Ourcq — July  iSth  to  July  2.1st,  1918. 


Machine  Gun  Co. 

♦2nd  Lieut.  Strickland,  P.  S. 
Private  Brekke,  John 
Private  Jenkins,  Mack  M. 

Company  "B" 

Private  Borofski,  Roman 
Private  DiBernardino.  G. 
Private  Fitzgerald,  Thomas 
Private  Gonyea,  Frank 
Private  Podlesney,  Mike 

Company  "C" 

Sergeant  Mann,   Walter  T. 
Mechanic  Akes,  Harve 
Private  Olsin,  Erric  J. 

Company  "D" 

Private  Palmer,  Basil 

Company  "E" 

Corporal  Bunte,  Bernard  L. 
*Corporal  Fowler,  Almon  N. 
Corporal  Bolin,  Howard 
Private  1/c  Howell,  Jas.  E. 


Company  "F" 

*2nd  Lieutenant  Weller  E.  C. 
Sergeant  Larsen,  Peter 
Corporal  Singer,  Mike 
Corporal  Thomas,  L.  C. 
Private  Shaffer,  Albert  L. 

Company  "H" 

Sergeant  Wagstaff,  Israel 
Corporal  Shannon,  G.  M. 
Private  Dodds,  Harvey  W. 
Private  Fair,  Harry  W. 
Private  Gecas,  Waclowas 
Private  Henderson,  D.  L. 
Private  Loesser,  Alexander 
Private  Rowe,  John  R. 
Private  Perry,  Vithia  I. 
Private  Wild,  Fred 

Company  "I" 

Sergeant  Friedman,  A. 
Sergeant  Grier,  John  M. 
Corporal  Brown,  C.  E. 
Corporal  Racine,  Joseph 
Mechanic  Patarino,  John  M. 
Private  Black,   Simon 


Private  Craig,  Mood 
Private  Palmbi,  Mariana 
Private  Patete,  Alexander 
Private  1/c  Schreiber,  F.  C. 
Private  Temple,  John 

Company  "K" 

Mechanic  Wright,  Ralph  W. 
Private  Lilley,  Charles  C. 
Private  Pedranti,  C. 
Private  Skeeter,  Jasper 
Private  Shuze,  Gustave  H. 
Private  Wilie,  Frank 
Private  Wells,  Lester 

Company  "L" 

Sergeant  Haley,  Daniel 
Corporal  Oepen,  Ralph. 
Private  Bogsted,  Christ 
Private  Graham,  Howard 
Private  Hoxie,  Sylvanus  H. 

Company  "M" 

Corporal  Davies,  Owen 
Corporal  Foster,  Clifton  R. 


Air  Raid  at  Foret  de  Fere:  Vesle  River  and  Vicinity  of  St. 
Thibaut — August  istto  12th,  1918 

Headquarters  Co. 


Sergeant  Kinsey,  Maurice 
Corporal  Holloway,  Isaac  E. 
Musician  Bennett,  Edwin  R. 
Private  Kahl,  James  C. 
Private  Lagergren,  William 
Private  Lawson,  William 
Private  McNutt,  Gilbert 
Private  Petrosky,  John 

♦Private  Liford,  Arthur  W. 

♦Private  Malooly,  Nicholas 

*Died  of  wounds. 


Machine  Gun  Co. 

Private  McKie,  Don  A. 

Company  "A" 

Sergeant  Winters,  Robert  D. 
Sergeant  Greenfield,  J.  A. 
Corporal  Sullivan,  James 
Private  Anderson,  Eddie 
Private  Friesenhahn,  R.  P. 
Private  Harrington,  T.  A. 
Private  Jurewicz,  Joseph  A. 


94 


Private  Peters,  Henry  A. 
Private  Thompson,  W.  G. 

Company  "B" 

Private  1/c  Murray,  John 
Private  Boudreau,  Emil 
Private  Franks,  Tommy 

Company  "C" 

2nd  Lieutenant  Kelly,  J.  F. 
Sergeant  Whalen,  Thomas 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Corporal  Jameson,  A. 
Corporal  Kelly,  Patrick 
Corporal  Volpe,  Valentine 
Private  Anderson,  C.  M. 
Private  Alsace,  Ora  Jio 
Private  1/c  Bucler,  C. 
Private  Crowe,  Elmer 
Private  1/c  DiLoreto,  E. 
Private  Dennis,  Rover  C. 
Private  1/c  Hoskins,  Nedd 
Private  Lettiere,  Daniel 
Private  Melvin,  Trueman 
Private  Rattenburry,  H. 
Private  1/c  Smith,  C.  F. 
Private  Stonestreet,  Charles 
Private  1/c  Wachowaik,  J.C. 
Private  1/c  Zalabak,  W. 

Company  "D" 

Corporal  Marchec,  Frank 
Bugler  Mondress,  Harry 
Private  Cohen,  Daniel 
Private  Crawford,  Lewis 
Private  Crowder,  John 
Private  Ferguson,  Ralph 
Private  Ferris,  Sidney 
Private  Roebuck,  James 
*Private  Schroeder,  Derwin 
Private  Weekley,  Ralph  R. 

Company  "E" 

1st  Lieut.  Davidson,  P.  E. 
Sergeant  Reed,  Mark 
Sergeant  Jones,  Frank 
Corporal  Arruppe,  Sefferino 
Corporal  Drew,   Frank  E. 
Corporal  Lawton,  Harry 
Corporal   Lubby,   Harry 
Private  Gregorie,  Eugene  L. 
Private  Gustas,  Anton 
Private  Johnson,   Olo 
Private  Kessel,  Snowden 
Private  1/c  Morrissey,  D.  P. 
Private  Morrissey,  John  P. 
Private  Myhre,  Willie 
Private  Peetz,  Fred 


Company  "F" 

2nd  Lieutenant  Grant,  D.  S. 
Corporal  Priejeff,  Z. 
Private  Aspender,  L. 
Private  Boness,  George 
Private  Burnor,  Nelson 
Private  Bute,  Lloyd  C. 
Private  Byrne,  J.  J. 
Private  Ewell,  Frank  B. 
Private  Gignac,  Eugene  C. 
Private  Johnson,  Charles 

*Private  Kapschull,  W.  M. 
Private  Lewis,  Carl  D. 
Private  Miline,  Archie 
Private  Mjelde,  Obert  J. 

*Private  Moore,  Allie  P. 
Private  Morrison,  James 
Private  Morrison,  John  M. 
Private  Moss,  Theodore  C. 

*Private  Murphy,  F.  D. 
Private  Olskevitch,  Michael 
Private  1/c  Priejeff,  Zosmo 
Private  Putnam,  George 
Private  Shutt,  Henry 
Private  Surface,  Harry  C. 
Private  Swan,  Ernest 
Private  Wright,  William  A. 

Company  "G" 

2nd  Lieutenant  Kelly,  J.  A. 
Sergeant  Murphy,  John  A. 
Sergeant  Pooley,  Mark  A. 
Corporal  Gere,  James 
Corporal  White,  R.  G. 
Mechanic  Roy,  Harry 
Private  Antrillo,  Joseph 
Private  Cheerington,  J.  N. 
Private  Demel,  Adolph 
Private  Duncan,  Benton 
Private   Edwards,   Prentice 
Private  Hill,  George 
Private  Thoman,  Henry 
Private  Safford,  Paul 


Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 


Haley,  Clarence 
Hertter,  Harry  J. 
Marvin,  Elbert 
Manos,  Mike 
Parades,  Antone 
Rooney,   Joseph 
Saley,  Leon 
Shaefer,  William 
Szyjka,  Walter 


Company  "I" 

2nd  Lieut.  Funderberg,  C. 
Sergeant  Garnett,  Walter  H. 
Corporal   Masterson,  B.   W. 
Private  Buchanan,  Clyde  E. 
Private   DeDionigi,   Michele 
Private  Dunn,  John  M. 
Private  Mann,  Thomas 
Private  Miller,  Arthur 
Private  Peterson,  Harry 
Private  Steeniske,  Andreas 

Company  "K" 

*lst  Lieutenant  Seipel,  A.  V. 
Private  Lewis,  Austin 
Private  Emerson,  Harold 

Company  "L" 

Corporal  Taylor,  James  F. 
Private  Runge,  Charles 

Company  "M" 

*lst  Lieut.  Schmidt,  T.  D. 
Corporal  Bressett,  Clinton 
Corporal  Taylor,  Gui 
Corporal  Weathers,  John 
Mechanic  Gray,  S. 
Private  Bayko,  Sedor  P. 
Private  Cook,  Travis  D. 
Private  Fish,  Arthur  G. 
Private  Reano,  Joseph 
Private  Thompson,  Walter 


Company  "H"        Medical   Detachm't. 


Corporal  Harding,  Jesse  C. 
Private  Antrovus,  Rome 


Private  1/c  Ische,  A.  H. 
Private  O'Connel,  P.  J. 


Verdun  Sector:  Meuse-Argonne;  Argonne  Forest;  Vicinity  of 

Cuisy,  Bois  de  Septsarges,  Bois  de  Fay,  Bois  De 

Malaumont  and  Bois  de  Foret 

September  26th  to  October  i%th,  1918 

Lieut.  Col.  Holliday,  W.  E. 

Headquarters  Co. 


Supply  Company 

Corporal  Mercer,  Stephen 
Private  Loop,  Omer 


*Died  of  wounds. 


Sergeant  Grace,  Joseph 
Sergeant  Young,  Harold  O. 

95 


Corporal   Gill,  John  I. 
Private  Huff,  Claude  A. 
Private  Thorson,  W.  R. 
Private  Stevenson,  Elmer 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Machine  Gun  Co.  Company  "B" 


1st  Lieutenant  Martin,  R.  A. 
Corporal  Buma,  Raymond 
Corporal  Hogan,  Charles 
Corporal  Pennings,  Alfred 

*Corporal  Sullivan,  William 
Mechanic  Gorgen,  Peter 
Private  Allen,  William 
Private  Brown,  Waldo  R. 
Private  Call,  William  D. 

*Private  Case,  Sylvester 
Private  Crowl,   Stephen 
Private  Cyr,  Thomas  D. 
Private  1/c  McElfresh,  R.  F. 
Private  1/c  Evans,  John  E. 
Private  Fantanella,  C.  D. 
Private  Hassett,  Thomas  J. 
Private  Huffman,  John  M. 
Private  Hyder,  William  F. 
Private  Jones,  Charles  C. 
Private  Kuhlmier,  Raymond 
Private  Meyers,  Harry 
Private  Moon,  James 
Private  Olson,  Fred 
Private  Robinson,  James 
Private  Sanford,  Leo 
Private  Wilson,  Otis 
Private  Wiseheart,  Oral 
Private  1/c  Wotruba  A.  J. 

Company  "A" 

Corporal  Alkire,  Milford 
Corporal  Brating,  Einar 

*Corporal  Crow,  Glenn 
Corporal  Rauben,  Daniel 
Bugler  Able,  Manuel 
Bugler  Crider,  Charles  C. 
Private  Andreas,  Roland 
Private  Antonio,  Alfred 
Private  Chezum,  Richard 
Private  Davis,  James 
Private  Dilworth,  Joseph 
Private  Dovson,  Elmer  T. 
Private  Farrel,  Patrick 
Private  Fosnaugh,  Cecil 
Private  Farina,  Salvatore 

*Private  Gross,  August  A. 
Private  Hanna,  Rover  C. 
Private  Massera,  Angelo 
Private  Mazzello,  Pasquale 
Private  Milburn,  Ralph 
Private  Sarina,  Savatore 
Private  Swirski,  Joseph 

fPrivate  Taitas,  George 
Private  Trhlik,  August 
Private  Urys,  John  F. 
Private  Welch,  William  A. 
Private  WTren,  William  T. 
Private  Yenner,  Jacob  A. 

*Died  of  wounds. 
fMissing  in  action. 


Sergeant  Ambos,  Hyman  L. 
Sergeant  Morehart,  W.  A. 

tCorporal  Bronkhorst,  John 
Corporal  Haynel,  Simon  E. 
Corporal  Tipil,  Charles  J. 
Bugler  Mazzalo,  Phillip 
Private  Anderson,  Pete 

fPrivate  Barkley,  Joseph 
Private  Bauman,  Walter  F. 
Private  Basel,  Ferdinand 
Private  Buckmier,  George 
Private   Chambers,   William 
Private  Chatterton,   C. 
Private  Crumpley,  Sam 
Private  Clatworthy,   George 
Private  Eisenberg,  David 
Private  Guenther,  Frank  E. 
Private  Holtz,  Henry  F. 
Private  Huntley,  Thomas 
Private  1/c  Kane,  John 
Private  1/c  Jerrells,  Hennen 
Private  Mangion,  T.  K. 
Private  McKinney,   Samuel 
Private  Nowlin,  James 
Private  Paetz,  Louis 
Private  Ried,  James 
Private  Sannes,  Edward  M. 
Private  Stockton,  L.  W. 
Private  Swackhammer,  J.W. 
Private  1/c  Warren,  L. 
Private  Wholt,  Arthur  O. 

Company  "C" 

Sergeant  Zell,  Lottie  A. 
Corporal  Raszeja,  Frank 
Corporal  Reber,  George  W. 
Corporal  Robinson,  A.  E. 
Private  Adams,  Grover  C. 
Private  Baker,  Alvin 
fPrivate  Beack,  Albert 
Private  1/c  Borski,  John  F. 
Private  Christoph,  E.  E. 
Private  Conty,  James 
Private  1/c  Davis,  Amy  A. 
Private  Dennis,  William 
Private  Gourley,  Charles  O. 
Private  Kautz,  Daniel  A. 
Private  Martin,  Edward 
Private  Sotello,  Santiago 

Company  "D" 

*2nd  Lieutenant  Moore,  E.  L. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Stacker,  R.  C. 
Sergeant  Collier,  Orien 
Comoral  Gedda,  Peter 
Corporal  Kozokiecz,  W. 
Corporal  Riley,  Michael 
Corporal  Weinberg,  A.  D. 
Bugler  Young,  Marshall  E. 
Private  Ackerman,  L.  W. 


Private  Baltus,  Walter 
Private  Berg,  Fred 
Private  Basarexski,  Felikas 
Private  Campbell,  Edward 
Private  Corccorrello,  L. 
Private  Czerna,  Joseph 
Private  Downey,  Leo 
Private   Herbert,   Charles  J. 
Private  Kennedy,  Harold  G. 
Private  Kent,  William 
Private  Kirzinger,  Mathew 
Private  Lowery,  Edward 
Private  Opgenhaffen,  H.  C. 
Private  Wiebell,  Otto 
Private  Yates,  Thomas  B. 

Company  "E" 

2nd  Lieut.  Edmond,  J.  A. 
Sergeant  Gaynor,  Frank 
Private  Atwater,  William 

fPrivate  Allison,  Johnny 
Private  Brown,  Joseph  C. 
Private  Constantino,  Cesare 
Private  Carney,  M.  F. 
Private   Gauthier,  Arthur 
Private  Ifallo,  Maetteo 
Private  1/c  Ingber,  Sam'l  S. 
Private  Lebond,  Edmon 
Private  Jensen,  Theodore  P. 
Private  Keumerle,  Fred  L. 
Private  Kulfsky,  Morris 
Private  Kurloff,  Morris 

*Private  1/c  McNew,  F.  G. 
Private   Morlock,   Oliver  E. 
Private  Nebbelin,  Ralph 
Private  Olson,  Alfred  A. 
Private  Ruff  sky,  Morris 
Private  Schneider,  W.  J. 
Private  Shaff,  Norris 
Private  Shussman,  Gregory 
Private  Simmons,  Ernest 
Private  Thompson,  Floyd 

fPrivate  Voll,  William  H. 
Private  Wright,  Edgar 
Private  Zunker,  Herman 

Company  "F" 

Sergeant   Calbots,  Benjamin 
Sergeant  Hickman,  Clyde 
Sergeant  Jones,  R.  W. 
Mechanic  Kosso,  Peter 
Private  1/c  Brinkman,  W.  F. 
Private  Dobry,  Charles 
Private  Foye,  Sidney  T. 
Private  Holojian,  Paul  B. 
Private  Huges,   Louis 
Private  Koellen,  Emanuel 
Private  Mayette,  Luke  J. 
Private  Petroski,  John 
Private  Plant,  Ernest 
Private  Poulos,   George 
Private  Sobatta,   Charles  A. 


96 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Spencer,  Theron  M. 
Private  Toombs,  Perry 
♦Private  Wemberly,  J.  H. 

Company  "G" 

Corporal  Hill,  George 
Corporal  Ouhl,  Jacob 
Private  Carey,  Daniel  P. 
Private  Fornaciari,  August 
Private  Freer,  Ralph 
Private  1/c  Hake,  WalterA. 
Private  Kelly,  George 
Private  Mallot,  Peter  A. 
Private  1/c  Murray,  Henry 
Private  Overholt,  Lester 
Private  Pinnecker,  Walter 
Private  Smith,  George 
Private  Strong,  Robert 
Private  Umbenhauer  E.  D. 

Company  "H" 

2nd.  Lt.  Montgomery,  G.  D. 
Sergeant  Dallman,  Emil 
Sergeant  Engleman,  W.  F. 
Private  Barnes,  William 
Private  Burkey,  Ralph 
Private  Burns,  Jesse  O. 
Private  Elbus,  George  J. 
Private  Dearhardt,  G.  R. 
Private  Koenig,  Christ 
Private  Lopario,  Francesco 
Private  Michel,  Howard 
Private  Phillips,  William  H. 
Private  Schultz,  Arthur 
Private  1/c  Wilson,  James 

Company  "I" 

2nd  Lieut.  Graham,  W.  S. 
Corporal   Clemmons,  R.  R. 
Corporal  Gilbert,  E.  A. 
Corporal  Goaltz,  Herman 
Cook  Bergonzi,  Albert  W. 
Private  Attwood,  George  C. 
Private  Bideau,  Adelord 
Private  Blakesly,  Eli 


Private  Blough,  Forest  F. 
Private  Bourdeau,  Joseph  J. 
Private  Broszys,  John 
Private  Byrne,  James  J. 
Private  Canavan,  C.  E. 

♦Private  Donner,  August 
Private  Gill,  Edward 
Private  Hanson,  Eldridge 
Private  Hanson,  LeRoy 
Private  Idehar,  Frank  F. 
Private  Kreuger,  Willie  A. 
Private    Mason,    Alf. 
Private  Nagle,  John 
Private  Oats,  Stephen 
Private  Obrien,  Joe 

♦Private  Peterson,  Harry  A. 
Private  1/c  Proszcz,  John 
Private  Scheriger,  Arnold 
Private  Smith,  Walter 
Private  Thorsdon,  John  C. 

Company  "K" 

1st  Lt.  Parnell,  George  D. 
Sergeant  Roberts,  Joseph  B. 
Corporal  Jansen,  John 
Private  Bolea,  Raffalle 
Private  Brenden,  Henry  O. 
Private  1/c  Brown,  Walter 
Private  Cage,  Robert 
Private  Cook,  Henry  A. 
Private  Crosby,  Thomas  H. 
Private    1/c    Fedouk,    Philip 
Private  Gowan,  Herbert 
Private  1/c  Murmane,  Hugh 
Private  Ransdell,  Edward  E. 
Private  Toto,  Giovanni 
Private  Wasney,  Joseph  B. 
Private  Zimmerman,  Paul 

Company  "L" 

Sergeant  McKee,  John 
Sergeant  Paul,  Ora  E. 
Corporal  Hendricks,  Joseph 
Corporal  Looman,  Walter 
Corporal  MaGrane,  F.  J. 


Corporal  Upton,  LeRoy 
Private  Boman,  Carl 
Private  Briganski,  John 
Private  Brown,  John  E. 
Private  Dooley,  James  E. 
Private  Frederick,  John  C. 
Private  Gallagher,  Patrick  J. 
Private  Heard,  Ross  P. 
Private  Hutton,  John  T. 
Private  Kiser,  William  C. 
Private  Miller,  Morris 
Private  Moon,  Allen 
Private  Pettigrew,  Luther  A. 
Private  Pierce,   Charles 
Private  1/c  Schroeder,  J.  L. 
Private  Stadig,  Bertel  G. 
Private  Whelar,  Marli  E. 

Company  "iM" 

2nd  Lt.  Hodge,  William  G. 
1st  Sgt.  Larman,  Walter  H. 
Bugler  Goddard,  Ralph 
Corporal  Stewart,  Paul  L. 
Corporal  Wood,  Charles 
Private  Abramowitz,  A.  H. 
Private  1/c  Brizanski,  J.  J. 
Private  Collins,  Julius  F. 

♦Private  Draper,  Austin 
Private  Funkhauser,  John  F. 
Private  Jones,  Jesse  B. 
Private  Ledregerber,  Wm. 
Private   Mitchell,   Corbet 
Private  Miller,  Samuel 
Private  Moore,  George  H. 
Private  Mulligan,  Robert 
Private  Parry,  William 
Private  Puplinski,  Claude 
Private  Rains,  Hyiam  D. 
Private  Reagan,  Daniel 
Private  Shager,  Stephen  F. 

i'Private  Snow,  Fred  M. 
Private  Turner,  Pally 

Medical  Detachm't. 

Private  Kimball,  Paul  C. 


*Died  of  wounds. 
fMissing  in  action. 


97 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

Wounded  in  Action — Aisne-Marne  Offensive:  Vicinity  of 

Noroy,  Troesnes  and  Chouy-sur-Ourcq 

July  iSth  to  July  21st,  19 18 


Major  Clement,  Joseph  T. 
Captain  Fisher,  John  T. 
Captain  Norton,  R.  W. 
1st  Lt.  GilHn,  George  H. 
1st  Lt.  Leo,  Carl 
1st  Lt.  Lynch,  Joseph  A. 
2nd.  Lt.  Cohn,  Herbert  L. 
2nd  Lt.  Davis,  Walter  B. 
2nd  Lt.  Emmons,  Albert  W. 

Headquarters  Co. 

Corporal  Pepper,  Joe 
Private  Bollard,  Driard 
Private  Chapman,  J.  M. 
Private  Jackson,  John  J. 
Private  Dudre,  Charles  E. 

Machine  Gun  Co. 

Sergeant  May,  Charles  F. 
Private  1/c  Ferrick,  T.  M. 
Private  Howard,  Victor  H. 
Private  Robertson,  Victor 

Supply  Company 

Cook  Rydicki,  Varney 
Cook  Williams,  Burt 
Wagoner  Lopes,  John 

Company  "A" 

Corporal  Cidado,  August 
Bugler  Krider,  Charles  E. 
Private  Ballard,  Dillard 
Private  Boze,  Earl 
Private  Ford,  Charles 
Private  Wadmausse,  Max 

Company  "B" 

Sergeant  Lane,   Mercer  J. 
Sergeant  Mather,  Albert 
Corporal  Cotton,  George  C. 
Corporal  Kopinski,  Joseph 
Corporal  Richards,    Thomas 
Mechanic  Pace,  Fred 
Private  Adams,  Frank 
Private  Allred,  Mell 
Private  Baker,  Harry 
Private  Broom,  Lonnie 
Private  Capabiango 
Private  Chidsey,  John 
Private  Cohen,  Samuel 
Private  Covey,  Leo 
Private  Cziakowski,  Walter 


Private  Emmet,  Adolph 
Private  Luker,  Ray 
Private  Nix,  Clyde 
Private  Thompson,  Jasper 
Private  Vogt,  George 
Private  Zimmerman,  A. 

Company  "C" 

Corporal  Krueger,  George 
Corporal  Sears,  Frasier  L. 
Corporal  Tunontuil,  Samuel 
Private  Barnes,  Frank  W. 
Private  Burlson,   Henry 
Private  1/c  Campion,  Oscar 
Private  Keltner,  Thomas  L. 
Private  1/c  Late,  Herman 
Private  1/c  Morell,  Frank 
Private  1/c  Saebert,  Oscar  L. 
Private  Wilson,  Sam 
Private  Zakrawske,  Julius 

Company  "D" 

Corporal  Drohm,  Oscar 
Corporal  Hennan,  Arthur 
Corporal  Pool,  Adam 
Private  Bordes,  Fred 
Private   Grones,   Earl 
Private  Ockerson,  Arthur 
Private  Prichard,  Edward 

Company  "E" 

Corporal   Blane,   Edmund 
Private  Antonetti,  Morg 
Private  Brown,  Webster 
Private   Collobby,   William 
Private  Craven,  John  B. 
Private  Migloid,  Frank 
Private  Olson,  Oscar  M. 
Private  Scott,  Grier 
Private  Wood,  George  F. 

Company  "F" 

Private  Black,  James  L. 
Private  Carrol,  Marcy 
Private  Dunham,  Charles  F. 
Private  Fabioni,  Lugi 
Private  Ferlick,  John 
Private  Gleason,  John 
Private  Hyrok,  Joseph 
Private   McCloskey,    Leo 
Private  Morrelle,  Fortynoto 
Private  Shores,  Frank 
Private  Timothy,  David 


Company  UG"* 

Sergeant  Barry,  Michael  J. 
Sergeant  Carrington,  E. 
Corporal  Reynolds,  Francis 
Private  Berg,  Hans 
Private  Bonnen,  William 
Private  Carey 
Private  Cook,  Thomas 
Private  DeRusha,  Charles 
Private  Dishno,  Henry 
Private  Dixon,  George 
Private  Erickson,  George 
Private  Evanson,  Leonard  O. 
Private  Felder,  Charles 
Private  Ferguson,  Robert 
Private   Fitzsimmons,   John 
Private  Gray,  Charles 
Private  Hannel,  Jacob 
Private  Hetrick,  Robert  C. 
Private  Harting 
Private  Heikland,  John 
Private  Henstis,  John 
Private  Horton,  Mellard 
Private  Johnson,  Thomas 
Private  Kluess,  Henry  C. 
Private  Luedka,  James  F. 
Private  Love,  George  H. 
Private  Marciukus,  Joseph 
Private  Milewski,  Roman 
Private  Monk,  Will  C. 
Private   Murry,   Joe 
Private  Nogorg,  Mirom 
Private  Nellimorem,  Joy  C. 
Private  Nelson,  Francis  G. 
Private  Palmerton,  Herbert 
Private  Perry,  Thomas  H. 
Private  Podel,  Max 
Private  Rockwell,  Guy 
Private  Robynor,  James 
Private  Rosenfield,  Morris  E. 
Private  Stafford,  Paul  S. 
Private  Smith,  Fred  L. 
Private  Spoin,  Floyd 
Private  Streit 
Private  Stuhlman,  Wilson 
Private  Sutton,  Floyd 
Private  Taylor,  William  L. 
Private  Tomi,  Albert 
Private  Tracy,  Martin  J. 
Private  Verberg,  John 
Private  Vickers,  Frederick 
Private  Walls,  Earl 
Private  Welch,  George  E. 
Private  Wright,  George. 


*Includes  men  wounded  between  August  1st  to  12th,  1918. 


IOO 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Company  "H" 

Sergeant  Lindberg,  Oscar 
Corporal  Devine,  LaVerne 
Private  Ackerman,  Walter 
Private  Booth,  Phillip 
Private  Denzler,  Percy  R. 
Private  Eledge,  Corbit 
Private  Gottwald 
Private  Hoistington,  Willis 
Private  Kenney,  Richard  A. 
Private  Rocesa,  Gerard 
Private  McLaughlin,  Joseph 
Private  Naumchik,  John 
Private  Peterson,  Clark 
Private  Robinson,  James 
Private  Sinclair,  Fred 
Private  Soners,  Treon  B. 
Private  Shirley,  Raymond 
Private  Skaggs,  Fred 
Private  Tarch,  William 
Private  Trace,  Earl  J. 

Company  "I" 

Private  Allen,  Walter 
Private  Aszuisik,  John  F. 
Private  Bennett,  Fred  L. 
Private  Biango,  Angelo 
Private  Boldin,  William  J. 
Private  Clipton,  Joseph 
Private  Collins,  Joseph 
Private  Cooper,  Charles  E. 
Private  Coote,   Harry 


Private  Doherty,  Hugh 
Private  Domingo,  John 
Private  Embree,  Charles  F. 
Private  Derakas,  Marinos 
Private  Grier,  William  O. 
Private  Hoar,  Edgar  E. 
Private  Kazis,  George 
Private  Meir,  Walter 
Private  Parent,  Arthur 
Private  Placek,  Rudolph 
Private  Vogregrsong,  C.  W. 

Company  "K" 

1st  Sergeant  Butler,  T. 
Sergeant  Lavelle,  George  D. 
Corporal  Fitzpatrick,  T. 
Corporal  Laforvitz,  Moses 
Mechanic  Wright,  T.  W. 
Private  Casta,  Anton  C. 
Private  Eaton,  Fred  H. 
Private  Hichey,  Edward 
Private  Hines,  Reuben 
Private  Kupervvitz,  W. 
Private  Luley,  Charles  C. 
Private  Monroe,  Seymoure 
Private  Pedronti,   C. 
Private  Reese,  Elmer  G. 
Private  Robinson,  Martin 
Private  Robinson,   Frank 
Private  Schuertpeter,  Emil 
Private  Schultz,  Gus  H. 
Private  Settles,  William 


Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 


Sketers,  Jasper 
Stranch,  B.  F. 
Schwertweger,  E. 
Tracasso,  Tony 
Willis,  G.  W. 
Wyatt,  W.  H. 
Wylie,  Frank 
Wells,  Lester 
Whalen,  Phillip 


Company  "L" 

Corporal  Aleidr,  Arthur 
Corporal  Leideke,  Eni 
Corporal  Parks,  Clarence 

Company  "M" 

Sergeant  Lehr,  Herbert 
Corporal  Kaevney,  Richard 
Private  Davis,  Owen 
Private  Delgino,  Antonio 
Private  Dow,  Vernon 
Private  Fauster,  Clifford 
Private  Finley,  Jefferson 
Private  Lanberger,  Oluf 
Private  Latho,  Frank 
Private  Marzonalla,  Stychon 
Private  Mayes,  Jeff  E. 
Private  Norton,  Anthony  T. 
Private  Partington,  George 
Private  Porter,  James 
Private  Sparmon,  George 
Private  VanHee,  Herman  J. 


Wounded  in  Action — Air  Raid  at  Foret  de  Fere:  Vesle  River 

and  Vicinity  of  St.  Thibaut 

August  ist  to  12th,  1918 


Major  Mitchell,  M.  C. 
Captain  Baylor,  C.  A.,  Jr. 
*Captain  Chapman,  H.  H. 
Captain  Eddy,  Manton  S. 
Captain  Rausseau,  V.  P. 
Captain  Slate,  Ralph 
1st  Lieut.  Crabtree,  H.  L. 
1st  Lieut.   Edwards 
1st  Lieut.  Holtslaw 
1st  Lieut.  Lowry,  James  R. 
1st  Lieut.  Pence,  Charles  W. 
1st  Lieut.  Schmidt,  T.  D. 
1st  Lieut.  Seiple,  A.  V. 
1st  Lieut.  Volmrich,  A.  F. 
2nd  Lieut.  Carton,  W.  J. 
2nd  Lieut.  Cohn,  II.  L. 
2nd  Lieut.  Curry,  John  L. 
2nd  Lieut.  Gaston,  H.  B. 
2nd  Lieut.  Kennedy,  A.  J. 
2nd  Lieut.  Ludlam,  C.  A. 

*  Died  of  Wounds. 


2nd  Lieut.  McCauley,  A.  B. 
2nd  Lieut.  Winters,  John  F. 
2nd  Lieut.  Mankey,  R.  L. 

Headquarters  Co. 

Sergeant  Major  Rogers,  C. 
Asst.  B.  M.  Berry,  Oliver  K. 
Sergeant  Brown,  John  W. 
Sergeant  Cleveland,  C.  H. 
Sergeant  Peterson,  John 
Sergeant  Schwab,  C.  H. 
Corporal  Baldwin,  C.  H. 
Corporal  Bollsworth,  W. 
Corporal  Bryand,  Cyrus  G. 
Corporal  Durgin,  Leslie  S. 
Corporal  Hughes,  David 
Corporal  Norris,  Walter  G. 
Corporal  Richardson,  O.  A. 
Musician  Bilardo,  John 

IOI 


Musician  Tilken,  Charles 
Mechanic  Baumgartner,  F.  J. 
Private  Augerinos,  Peter 
Private  Banks,  Charles  F. 
Private  Beech,  Dallas  O. 
Private  Boska,  Edward 
Private  Briner,  Maurice 
Private  Borkers,  Stanley 
Private  Dugan,  James 
Private  Durrant,  Harold 
Private  Elliot,  William 
Private  Ercanbrack,  Albert 
Private  Griffiths,  C.  W. 
Private  Harrigan,  George 
Private  Heinbockel,  George 
Private  Kurtz,  Anton  O. 
Private  Lesir,  James 
Private  Meckler,  John 
Private  Mick,  Max 
Private  Miller,  Romeo 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  McParten,  Michael 
Private  Olpers,  Raymond  G. 
Private  O'Niel,  Herbert 
Private  Petchet,  Otto 
Private  Prentice,  William 
Private  Rooney,  William 
Private  Rudinish,  John  E. 
Private  Runge 
Private  Sherburn,  Edward 
Private  Skelly,  William  J. 
Private  Sorenson,  Paul  T. 
Private  Turner,  George  A. 
Private  Wajtalik,   Stanley 
Private  Weiture,  William 
Private  Williamson,  L.  L. 
Private  Wilson,  Clyde 

Machine  Gun  Co. 

Sergeant  Kroll,  Bernhard 
Corporal  Deaton,  Harold  C. 
Private  Doran,  Joseph  M. 
Private  Hoge,  Archibald 
Private  Manezurousky,  P. 
Private  McCormic,  A.  L. 
Private  1/c  Robertson,  V. 
Private  Schronck,  John  W. 
Private  Stutthin,  Elmer  E. 

Company  "A" 

1st  Sergeant  Agnar,  John 
Sergeant  Skelly,  William  J. 
Sergeant  Smith,  Thomas  D. 
Corporal  Baldwin,  Ora  A. 
Corporal  Chambers,  Thomas 
Corporal   Graffe,  Werner 
Corporal  Guse,  Richard 
Corporal  Palmer,  Charles  A. 
Corporal  Richardson,  E.  L. 
Corporal  Stark,  Frank  C. 
Corporal  Sullivan,  James  H. 
Corporal  Zanella,  Louis 
Mechanic  Baumgartaner,  G. 
Private  Allen,  Fred  J. 
Private  Alpers,  Raymond  G. 
Private  Augeines,  Peter 
Private  Bartkus,  Joseph 
Private  Baske,  Edward  W. 
Private  Belles,  Joseph 
Private  Bradford,  Fred  J. 
Private  Brooks,  Albert 
Private  Clayton,  Jepthia  L. 
Private  Danelski,  Joseph 
Private  Dettloff,  Frank  A. 
Private  Dolback,  David  J. 
Private  Durgin,  Leslie  S. 
Private  Garezyuski,   Stanley 
Private  Hoover,  Sherman 
Private  Johnson,  John  O. 
Private  Lemkuil,  Ray 
Private  Lisie,  James 


Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 


Martin,  Ben 
Miggett,  John 
Moore,  Clyde  J. 
Peters,  Henry  A. 
Rudimski,  John  E. 
Schmell,  Jacob 
Skully,  John  M. 
Williamson,  L.  W, 
Werting,  John  D. 
Weitner,  William 
Young,  Francis 


Company  "B" 

Sergeant  O'Conner,  Bernard 
Corporal  Clapp,  Norman 
Corporal  Hehr,  Fred 
Mechanic  Manseur,  Frank 
Mechanic  Taylor,  Max 
Bugler  Fournier,  Ernest 
Private  Abel,  Dan 
Private  Aurand,  Edward  B. 
Private  Biederbeck,  Harley 
Private  Buckley,  W.  D. 
Private  Conroy,  Sherman 
Private  Morgan,  James  G. 
Private  Panzones,  Spera 
Private  Pendell,  Sylvest 
Private  Phillips,  Alonzo 
Private  Setha,  Frank 
Private  Smith,  Joseph 

Company  "C" 

Corporal  Burno,  John  F. 
Corporal  Mitchelf,  C.  H. 
Corporal  Wilczorsky,  F. 
Bugler  Boucher,  Ernest 
Private  Beshaw,  Joseph 
Private  Blow,  Rupert 
Private  Blau,  Alvin 
Private  Bois,  Dilndonne 
Private  Birmingham,  W.  J. 
Private  DeGainer,  Arthur 
Private  1/c  Dilon,  Michael 
Private  Derabossi,  Gusceipe 
Private  Fieso,  Umbert 
Private  Foust,  Paul  E. 
Private  1/c  Herring,  F.  H. 
Private  1/c  Humes,  C.  V. 
Private  Jacobs,  Elmer 
Private  Levassal,  Howard 
Private  Loschiavo,  August 
Private  Miller,  William 
Private  Molino,  Emanuel 
Private  Neheim,  Albert  O. 
Private  Ogen,  Heibert 
Private  Poper,  Frank  M. 
Private  Ponn,  John 
Private  Paulson,  Henry 
Private  Reily,  Frank  H. 
Private  Robrigues,  Joe 
Private  Rogland,  W.  R. 


Private  Spraggins,  Doro 
Private  Szwedas,  John  A. 
Private  Urnosky,  Brunes 
Private  Walls,  Joe  W. 
Private  Weisman,  Elmer  J. 
Private  Whalen,  George 

Company  "D" 

Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 


Auezak,  Stanley 
Billitz,  Frank 
Borggorm,  John 
Bregger,  Peter 
Briggs,  Aubry 
Bekker,  Peter 
Cizek,  Charles  W. 
Coamaya,  C.  W. 
Drake,  Chester 
Edmonson,  Ralph  D. 
Friedman,  Fred 
Gioeomozzi,  A. 
Hart,  Jesse 
Helms,  Hally  O. 
Jackson,  Adil  W. 
Jones,  Horey 
Kasberg,  Edward 
Kellogg,  H.  B. 
Meiteinger,  Pier 
Rosh,  Charles  R. 
VonAlmen,  C.  C 
Wells,  Thomas  A. 


Company  "E" 

Sergeant  Connan,  William 
Sergeant  Garrett,  Leslie 
Sergeant  Jacques,  Claud 
Sergeant  Pridgen,  Robert  R. 
Corporal  Carrol,  Ollie 
Corporal  Davis,  Walter 
Corporal  Frederick,  W.  V. 
Corporal  Nichols,  Frank 
Corporal  Varno,  Frank 
Bugler  VanOsdel,  George 
Mechanic  McFarr,  W.  E. 
Private  Bolin,  John  D. 
Private  Brendel,  David 
Private  Champutmer,  E. 
Private  Champutmer,  Leon 
Private  Constantino,  Nicola 
Private  Driscoll,  Terrance 
Private  Endaley,  C.  W. 
Private  Farell,  Joseph 
Private  Giarmetti,  Antonio 
Private  Glodneey,  Horace 
Private  Grefario,  Francisco 
Private  Greiner,  Clarence 
Private  Grosens,  Jacob 
Private  Hoalon,  Neal 
Private  Hopkins,  Amos 
Private  Isaac,  Jim 
Private  Imperi,  Eggieii 
Private  Knuth,  Joseph 


1 02 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Kealey,  James 
Private  Kelly,  Richard 
Private  Nox,  Floyd 
Private  Krigg,  George 
Private  Lauer,  Frederick 
Private  Legera,  Pasquale 
Private  Mason,  Richard  F. 
Private  McCase,  George 
Private  Nebbio,  Raffaele 
Private  Neier,  Cole 
Private  Pavitt,  Perry  R. 
Private  Peznaitis,  Charles 
Private  Rizzulo,  Joseph 
Private  Russin,  Arthur 
Private  Saunders,  Chester 
Private  Schnicht,  Alfred  M. 
Private  Schrincht,  George 
Private  Sherwood,  C.  A. 
Private  Tighe,  Edward 
Private  Trent,  Oddis 
Private  Van  De  More,  John 
Private  Verrille,  Leondrel 
Private  Waliloski,  August 

Company  "F" 

1st  Sergeant  Ryan,  Michael 
Sergeant  Johnson,  S.  W. 
Sergeant  Soffner,  Ray 
Sergeant  Stuber,  William 
Corporal  Davis,  Walter 
Corporal  Day,  George 
Corporal   Fredericks,   Edwin 
Corporal  Henry,  Franklin 
Corporal  Jones,  Harry 
Corporal  Stork,  Charles  J. 
Corporal  Thomas,  Harry 
Corporal  Zeal,  John 
Bugler  Crestino,  John 
Cook  Malone,  Pearl 
Cook  McNulty,  Frank 
Mechanic  Peterson,  H.  F. 
Private  Adams,  Carol  E. 
Private  Adams,  Oliver 
Private  Allison,  Johnny 
Private  Becker,  William 
Private  Bjornsen,  Adolph 
Private  Boragno,  Giovani 
Private  Baylick,  William 
Private  Castell,  Arthur 
Private  Cowell,  Herbert 
Private  Corrigan,  Arthur 
Private  Clayton,  George 
Private  Coddington,  W.  F. 
Private  Cologgi,  Egreino 
Private  Cotrsuns,  Sorofin 
Private  Church,  Emery 
Private  Davis,  Lawrence  J. 
Private  Delmasso,  Joseph 
Private  Divartolomeo,  D. 
Private  Earhart,  Lee 
Private  Garrett,  Forest  W. 


Private  Groves,  Lewis 
Private  Helman,  John 
Private  Hogan,  Thomas 
Private  Hopkins,  Walter  E. 
Private  Jones,  Edward 
Private  Kay,  James  W. 
Private  Klain,  Edward 
Private  Kloek,  Edward 
Private  List,  Clarence 
Private  Laspinoso,  Vito 
Private  Lunn,  John 
Private  Mahoney,  James  B. 
Private  Mahoney,  Daniel  J. 
Private  Manders,  Warren 
Private  Martin,  Charles  T. 
Private  McCullough,  James 
Private  McCreary,  James 
Private  McGinsey,  Jack 
Private  Menitt,  Roy 
Private  Moore,  Allie 
Private  Mork,  James 
Private  Murray,  Joseph 
Private  Musik,  James  L. 
Private  Niedecken,  George 
Private  Noll,  Fred  R. 
Private  Parsons,  Edward 
Private  Peterson,  Johonnas 
Private  Peterson,  William 
Private  Piper,  Edward 
Private  Quinn,  Edward 
Private  Shockling,  William 
Private  Skretos,  Louis 
Private  Smith,  Charles 
Private  Smith,  Stanley  H. 
Private  Stegmeyer,  Herman 
Private  St.  Rock,  William 
Private  Tomeo,  Antonio 
Private  Udager,  Thomas 
Private  Wigtel,  Andrew 
Private  Witherspoon,  S. 
Private  White,  Mancel 
Private  Whitley,  John 

Company  "H" 

Sergeant  Creter,  Charles  L. 
Sergeant  Libertz,  Joseph 
Sergeant  Lunberg,  Oscar 
Sergeant  Mahon,  Louis 
Sergeant  Sessions,  Thomas 
Sergeant  Wilson,  William 
Corporal  Alley,  Charles 
Corporal  Coad,  William  B. 
Corporal  Dolan,  James  J. 
Corporal  Headled,  Roy  L. 
Corporal  McLaughlin,  E.  F. 
Corporal  Seger,  Fred 
Corporal  Spatro,  Walter 
Private  Blessing,  Charles 
Private  Borburek 
Private  Breen,  Charles 
Private  Bucci,  Eltore 


Private  Cogswell,  James 
Private  Downey,  Edsell  B. 
Private  Folso,  Sempson 
Private  Graefenecker,  L. 
Private  Haug,  Adolph 
Private  Knipp,  Charles  C. 
Private  McMillan,  W.  T. 
Private  Nickolson,  Walter 
Private  Nickolson,  Lewis 
Private  Pedregon,  Thomas 
Private  Pennington,  W. 
Private  Reback 
Private  Simpson,  William 
Private  Woods,  Charles  J. 

Company  "I" 

Sergeant  Norton,  John 
Private  Clore,  Bernard 
Private  DelFranco,  Joseph 
Private  Dohlby,  Crisp  J. 
Private  Ghio,  Anton 
Private  Kawalski,  John 
Private  Kreuger,  Wilbur 
Private  Laugerby,  Frank  M. 
Private  Nolan,  Vernon  P. 
Private  O'Connor,  Arthur 
Private  Ostrea,  John 
Private  Richlefew,  Surfell 
Private  Romano,  Micke 
Private  Ross,  Geny 
Private  Savage,  Ezra 
Private  Schwartz,  Henry 
Private  Sleinkiste,  Andrew 
Private  Sullivan,  Joseph  J. 
Private  Smith,  Willie 
Private  Sobille,  John 
Private  Spella,  Sam 
Private  Spotto,  Vincenzo 
Private  Stanley,  Walter 
Private  Swain,  Fred 
Private  Travis,  James 
Private  Umschueider,  W. 
Private  Vesterby,  C.  M. 
Private  Wandle,  Fred 
Private  Wavghop,  Clyde  B. 
Private  Whitney,  James  H. 
Private  Zithuss,  Antonio 
Private  Zockerdoff,  John 

Company  "K" 

Mess  Sergt.  Ratcliffe,  C.  G. 
Corporal  Corey,  Rosy  S. 
Corporal  Soginski,  Stanley 
Corporal  Sheldon,  Albert 
Private  Stork,  Walter  J. 
Private  Kelley,  Henry  B. 
Private  Arena,  Louis 
Private  Doglish,  James  J. 
Private  Emerson,  Harold  H. 
Private  Hammond,  H.  E. 


IO3 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Kapanke,  Fred  W. 
Private  Kemper,  R.  C. 
Private  Lewis,  Austin 
Private  Newbauer,  Emil 
Private  Percherc,  A. 
Private  Pfoff,  Frank 
Private  Poteet,  Harry 
Private  Robinson,  John  H. 
Private  Taylor,  Oscar  V. 
Private  Telia,  Frank 
Private  Tonnell,  Charles  W. 
Private  Turner,  Edward  W. 
Private  Tracasso,  Tony 
Private  Whaltes,  David 

Company  "L" 

Sergeant  Roach,  Edgar 
Corporal  Cockran,  Charles 
Mechanic  Slowry,  William 


Private  1/c  Asch,  Herman 
Private  Burgess,  Walter 
Private  Guiliano,  Nicholas 
Private  Grahousky,  Harry 
Private  Grote,  William 
Private  Manfredi,  Anthon 
Private  McMillian,  Gordan 
Private  McVea,  Willard 
Private  Parrish,  Paul 
Private  Payton,  Jasper 
Private  Polesimi,  Alfonso 
Private  Rossi,  Jack 
Private  Sealise,  Francisco 

Company  "M" 

Sergeant  Dolton,  Will  J. 
Sergeant  Donahue,  W.  E. 
Sergeant  Hans,  Walter  E. 
Sergeant  Jones,  Harry 


Corporal  Babola,  Frank 
Corporal  Kroner,  Arthur 
Corporal  Long,  Albert  J. 
Private  Anderson,  James 
Private  Ctalonce,  Vito 
Private  Chestnut,  Ralph 
Private  Cooley,  LeRoy 
Private  Cozachuck,  Hames 
Private  Dean,  Chester  H. 
Private  Olsen,  Charles 
Private  Parter,  Clement 
Private  Peatriea,  Geonanne 
Private  Shields,  Earl 
Private  Sheriff,  Martin 
Private  Shotwell,  Frank  C. 
Private  Stefano,  Donto 
Private  Tustano,  Antonio 
Private  Weathers,  John  L. 
Private  West,  William 
Private  Zimmerman,  J.  C. 


Wounded  in  Action — -Verdun  Sector:  Meuse-Argonne — Vicinity 

of  Cuisy,  Bois  de  Septsarges,  Bois  de  Fay,  Bois  de 

Malaumont  and  Bois  de  Foret 

September  26th  to  October  iHth,  1918 


Colonel  Bolles,  Frank  C. 

Colonel  Parsons,  James  K. 

Major  Winton,  Roy  W. 
*Captain  Plumley,  R.  G. 

Captain  Slate,  Ralph 

1st  Lieut.  Arthur,  Joseph  N. 
*lst  Lieut.  Bradley,  C.  L. 

1st  Lieut.  Campbell,  E.  F. 

1st  Lieut.  Campbell,  J.  R. 

1st  Lieut.  Cain,  William  R. 
*lst  Lieut.  Eddy,  John  R. 

1st  Lieut.  Fallingim,  Henry 

1st  Lieut.  Storey,  W.  A. 
*lst  Lieut.   Trenholm,  D.  DeS. 

1st  Lieut.  Vandemoer,  H.  M. 
*lst  Lieut.  Wood,  Charles  H. 

2nd  Lieut.  Baer,  Sanford 

2nd  Lieut.  Bradford,  F.  S. 

2nd  Lieut.  Bond,  Edward  G. 

2nd  Lieut.  Cohn,  Herbert  L. 

2nd  Lieut.  Edmond,  J.  A. 

2nd  Lieut.  Fisher,  Carl 

2nd  Lieut.  Galloway,  R.  N. 

2nd  Lieut.  Harrison,  L.  B. 

2nd  Lieut.  Hartnett,  C. 

2nd  Lieut.  Jacobson,  A.  S. 
*2nd  Lieut.  Johnson,  R. 

2nd  Lieut.  Kaminski,  T. 
*2nd  Lieut.  Weber,  Leigh 

2nd  Lieut.  McClelland,  Q.  J. 

2nd  Lieut.  Mitchell,  John  J. 

2nd  Lieut.  Murray,  A.  D. 

*  Gassed. 


2nd  Lt.  Mutzebaugh,  R.  R. 
2nd  Lieut.  Peace,  Alfred  N. 
2nd  Lieut.  Schlegal,  Ivan  G. 
2nd  Lieut.  Sinnott,  T.  G. 

Headquarters  Co. 

Sgt.  Maj.  Franklin,  D.  B. 
Sgt.  Maj.  Sutherland,  L. 
Sergeant  Adney,  C.  D. 
Sergeant  Henry,  Leland 
Sergeant  Howard,  Henry 
Sergeant  Huddleston,  W.  A. 
Sergeant  Jewell,  A.  R. 
Sergeant  Lane,  Walter  E. 
Sergeant  Pepper,  Joe 
Sergeant  Seenctre,  E.  N. 
Sergeant  Smith,  Ralph  N. 
Corporal  Allen,  Willis 
Corporal  Bishop,  Charles  B. 
Corporal  Brooklins,  John  B. 
Corporal  Campbell,  C.  C. 
Corporal  Coleman,  Walter 
Corporal  Crum,  Frank  J. 
Corporal  Doney,  James 
Corporal  Dufore,  Arthur  C. 
Corporal  Ferguson,  Floyd 
Corporal  Goodney,  Anthony 
Corporal  Holverson,  Harry 
Corporal  House,  Robert  D. 
Corporal  Iavene,  Godrid 
Corporal  Oberlin,  F. 

IO4 


Corporal  Opel,  O.  P. 
Corporal  Schoenbauer,  J.  C. 
Bugler  Andre,  Charles  F. 
Bugler  Martin,  Gerome 
Private  Anderson,  C.  C. 
Private  Antoni,  Alfred 
Private  Archer,  Oliver 
Private  Bandoes,  Vincent  A. 
Private  Barbarie,  Carlo 
Private  Capps,  Raymond 
Private  Carr,  Charles  H. 
Private  Caroll,  F.  A. 
Private  Esunis 
Private  Folliard,  William 
Private  Gemiginam,  N. 
Private  Gorney,  John 
Private  Haggerty,  Dan  J. 
Private  Heckland,  Harold 
Private  Holt,  Limerick 
Private  Lamsey,  Joseph  A. 
Private  Lovenouse,  Kagriner 
Private  Loitsas,  George 
Private  Langlois,  Ovila  J. 
Private  Merritt,  R.  L. 
Private  McLeese,  S.  L. 
Private  Novock,  William 
Private  Ohum,  Frank  J. 
Private  Olson,  Carl 
Private  Owen,  Edgar 
Private  Perry,  Walter  C. 
Private  Pulirim,  Nick 
Private  Raymond.  Tony 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Redigre,  John 
Private  Rodder,  Louis  E. 
Private  Romerman,  Addison 
Private  Ruthedge,  Robert 
Private  Sobotino,  Granocco 
Private  Sorg,  Harrison 
Private  Spenander,  John  C. 
Private  Stout,  James  W. 
Private  Swearinger,  Iwen 
Private  Trisier,  Peter  B. 
Private  Thurman,  Allen  G. 
Private  Todd,  Ralph  S. 
Private  Torino,  Salbatoe 
Private  Trainor 
Private  Turner,  George  A. 
Private  Underwood,  T.  W. 
Private  Vain,  Lawrence 
Private  Wahl,  H.  G. 
Private  Wait,  H.  D. 
Private  Wallingford,  A.  M. 
Private  Wasserman,  C. 
Private  Weidenbar,  Robert 
Private  Young,  Thomas  B. 

Machine  Gun  Co. 

1st  Sergeant  Jarrett,  Milton 
Sergeant  Beard,  Tyra 
Sergeant  Booker,  Marvin  O. 
Sergeant  Hall,  Roy 
Sergeant  Hofing,  Charles 
Sergeant  Newman,  Fred  F. 
Sergeant  Yando,  Edward 
Corporal  Allen,  Wilson 
Corporal  Brand,  George 
Corporal  McAlster,  R.  V. 
Bugler  Strano,  James 
Private  1/c  Anderson,  W.  E. 
Private  Berghins,  John 
Private  Brennen,  Daniel 
Private  Bullinger,  Louis  N. 
Private  Case,  Sylvester 
Private  Clark,  Joseph 
Private  Clemmons,  W. 
Private  Coffin,  Robert  E. 
Private  Cok,  Peter 
Private  Conley,  Okey  D. 
Private  Dewar,  Duncan 
Private  Ellett,  Jesse  J. 
Private  Ferrick,  Timothy  N. 
Private  Govern,  Fred  J. 
Private  1/c  Hanson,  Henry 
Private  Hedrick,  Ward  T. 
Private  1/c  Jenkins,  W. 
Private  1/c  Johnson,  A.  E. 
Private  Johnson,  C.  E. 
Private  Kendel,  John 
Private  Kobes,  John 
Private  Koberski,  Walter 
Private  McLaughlin,  F. 
Private  Mides,  John  W. 
Private  Miller,  John  W. 


Private  1/c  Olszewski,  Dan 
Private  Peterson,  Harry 
Private  Pollitt,  Doila 
Private  Roupe,  James  F. 
Private  Richka,  Frank 
Private  1/c  Robinson,  V. 
Private  Semington,  Albert 
Private  Schuse,  Daniel 
Private  Schmitt,  William 
Private  Smith,  Fred  J. 
Private  Smith,  Orville 
Private  Snead,  Ralph  L. 
Private  Specht,  Edward 
Private  Stever,  Nieniel 
Private  Stellaney,  Frank 
Private  Strickland,  Milton 
Private  Canner,  Grover 
Private  Taylor,  James  B. 
Private  Thunick,  Homer 
Private  VanBerger 
Private  Walker,  Henry  P. 
Private  Williams,  George 
Private  Wiseman,  Emory 
Private  Withers,  John 
Private  Wolfe,  William 
Private  Woodruff,  James 
Private  Wright,  Alta 
Private  Wroblewski,  E. 
Private  Garrison,  Guy 


Supply  Company 

Wagoner  Hansen,  Emil 
Wagoner  Wright.  C.  D. 

Company  "A" 

Sergeant  Heddleston,  W.  N. 
Sergeant  Howard,  Harry 
Sergeant  Seereiter,  E.  M. 
Sergeant  Smith,  Ralph  M. 
Corporal  Allen,  Uhlis 
Corporal  Bard,  Harold  D. 
Corporal  Beker,  Charles  M. 
Corporal  Crow,  Glen 
Corporal  Fergusen,  Loyd  E. 
Corporal  Frost,  Thomas 
Corporal  Ioven,  Gabriel 
Corporal  Leonard,  R.  J. 
Corporal  Lovett,  George  B. 
Corporal  Parr,  Albert 
Corporal  Pepper,  Joe 
Corporal  Richmond,  Guy  A 
Corporal  Shaughnessy,  D. 
Corporal  Susearaer,  Joseph 
Mechanic  Lighture,  Robert 
Mechanic  Orsi,  Lugi 
Bugler  Martin,  Jerome 
Private  Abbal,  Arthur  L. 
Private  Abbott,  Clyde  W. 
Private  Aliva,  Leo 


Private  Anderson,  C.  L. 
Private  Bandols,  Vincent  A. 
Private  Bothoff,  William 
Private  Bradford,  Edgar  W. 
Private  Bradford,  Walter  L. 
Private  Bram,  George  F. 
Private  Campbell,  Clyde  C. 
Private  Canevora,  Louis 
Private  Casper,  Nicholas 
Private  Carr,  Charles 
Private  Castello,  C.  J. 
Private  Chezum,  Richard 
Private  Clayton,  Jepthia 
Private  Coleman,  Walter 
Private  Dontas,  Disprinzo 
Private  Davis,  Ottis  A. 
Private  Engley,  Morris 
Private  Evans,  Roy  H. 
Private  Eustice,  Richard 
Private  Frost,  Howard  L. 
Private  Gebile,  Charles  C. 
Private  Geurimani,  N. 
Private  Gladding,  E.  J. 
Private  Goodney,  A.  J. 
Private  Grismer,  Carl  P. 
Private  Grivette,  John 
Private  Gross,  August 
Private  Gushma,  George 
Private  Guissandi,  Vincent 
Private  Halverson,  Harry 
Private  Harvey,  George  W. 
Private  Hause,  Ribert 
Private  Henderson,  T.  A. 
Private  Henry,  Willa 
Private  Hoggstrom,   Carl   S. 
Private  Houck,  George  P. 
Private  Peffery,  Oscar 
Private  Kelly,  James  O. 
Private  Klein,  Casper 
Private  Lane,  Walter  E. 
Private  Lesie,  James 
Private  Lillis,  Thurman 
Private  Lytsas,  George 
Private  Lucas,  Charles 
Private  Lutz,  Paul 
Private  Mazzelo,  Pasquale 
Private  McDaniel,  Ralph 
Private  Palmer,  Ephriam 
Private  Redinger,  John 
Private  Ritchlin,  A.  J. 
Private  Ronilard,  Randal 
Private  Rutlidge,  Robert 
Private  Sabotino,  Giarrocco 
Private  Schwartz,  Jack  O. 
Private  Scdj,  Frank 
Private   Soloman,  Joseph 
Private  Steger,  Herman 
Private  Vain,  Lawrence 
Private  Wallingford,  Henry 
Private  Wokiechowski,  F. 
Private  Wuchtre,  Albert 


I05 


THE       THIRTY- NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Company  "B" 

1st  Sergeant  Preisler,  W.  S. 
Sergeant  Cullman,  Edward 
Sergeant  Parker,  A.  E. 
Corporal  Birch,  Robert 
Corporal  Durling,  Albert 
Corporal  Durkin,  John 
Corporal  Emerson,  Arthur 
Corporal  Franks,  John  J. 
Corporal  Gallagher,  M. 
Corporal  King,  Henry  J. 
Corporal  Kopinski,   Joseph 
Corporal  McDonald,  W. 
Corporal  Richards,  Thomas 
Corporal  Thomas,  G.  A. 
Corporal  VanVenRoy,  C. 
Corporal  Vogt,  George 
Mechanic  Pace,   Fred 
Mechanic  Anderson,  F.  E. 
Private  Adkinsons,  W.  J. 
Private  Awe,  Arthur 
Private  Baxter,  James 
Private  Belzung,  Leo 
Private  Billieau,   Orlean 
Private  Beager,  Clarence 
Private  Boney,  Adam 
Private  Bregger,  Ernest 
Private  Brizzie,  Leo 
Private  Brown,  Henry 
Private  Caldwell,  Basil 
Private  Chambers,  William 
Private  Collier,  Oran 
Private  Ciofi,  Alfred 
Private  Crumley,  Norman 
Private  Currj-,  Thomas  E. 
Private  Crumpley,  Sam 
Private  Diforma,  Gustino 
Private  Diskin,  John 
Private  Eisenberg,  David 
Private  Griffin,  Paul 
Private  Hahn,  Otto 
Private  Hortie,  William 
Private  Jensen,  Theodore 
Private  Jerrels,  Hennen 
Private  Kirby,  Gillous 
Private  Krupszak,  Mike 
Private  Landers,  Arthur 
Private  Leary,  Edward  J. 
Private  Litwinowich,  L.  C. 
Private  Maculatis,  Nick 
Private  Marty,  Herman  P. 
Private  Manary,  Sidney 
Private  McKinney,  Samuel 
Private  Mullins,  Thomas 
Private  Neese,  Lyle 
Private  North,  Everet 
Private  O'Neil,  William  J. 
Private  Ostapchaks,  Dennis 
Private  Palermo,  Dominick 
Private  Raymond,  Tony 
Private  Riggert,  Herman 


Private  Roberts,  Charles  E. 
Private  Rosson,   Heber  R. 
Private  Seavy,  Charles  F. 
Private  Smith,  William 
Private  Stankowski,  Waclo 
Private  Targazewski,   W. 
Private  Thierry,  George  W. 
Private  Trafton,  Joseph 
Private  Verele,  Eindreia 
Private  Wertman,  R.  H. 
Private  Weisle,   Edward 
Private  Wolf,  Russel 
Private  Zellinski,  Bert 
Private  Zimmerman,  W. 
Private  Watkins,  Richard 

Company  "C" 

Sergeant  McCurty,  Harry 
Sergeant  Shopiro,  Joseph 
Corporal   Gerdisen,  Frank 
Corporal  Loftus,  Daniel 
Corporal  Saegert,  Oscar 
Corporal  Therstall,  Oscar 
Private  Adams,  Henry  O. 
Private  Avelia,  Sabolins 
Private  Alesh,  Frank 
Private  Anthon,  Peter 
Private  Barton,  John  J. 
Private  Bell,  William  S. 
Private  Boughman,  David 
Private  Buick,  James  B. 
Private  Cameronesi,  Vincent 
Private  Christoph,  Elmer  V. 
Private  Crossby,  Ralph  J. 
Private  Cunningham,  M. 
Private  Davis,  Ben  H. 
Private  Deceasary,  Agapito 
Private  Deschenes,  E. 
Private  Disney,  Oscar  B. 
Private  Duchsler,  George  W. 
Private  Edman,  Herman 
Private  Fennell,   Charles  N. 
Private  Flannigan,  T.  J. 
Private  Gregone,  Ernest 
Private  Gostopon,  Carl 
Private  Hergiton,  Paul 
Private  Himedough,  George 
Private  Jacobs,  Mmis 
Private  Johnson,  Karl  A. 
Private  Katz,  Joseph 
Private  Kuntz,  Arthur  A. 
Private  Kurth,  Walter  A. 
Private  Kyle,  Eben  L. 
Private  Lachiro,  August 
Private  Lilly,  Burr 
Private  Litterall,  Elmer  V. 
Private  1/c  McCuilough,  F. 
Private  McGilvra,    Donald 
Private  Monaco,  Paul 
Private  1/c  Moyer,  Byron 
Private  1/c  Myers,  Harrison 

1 06 


Private  1/c  Neyton,  John 
Private  Nickerson,  Jessor 
Private  Noel,  Seymore 
Private  1/c  Palmer,  Oscar 
Private  Paulosk,  Adam 
Private  Peterson,  August  C. 
Private  Peterson,  Peter  W. 
Private  Porto,  Dominick 
Private  Pucci,  Erico 
Private  1/c  Rodrigues,  Joe 
Private  Shubert,  Arthur 
Private  Schroder,  George 
Private   Shions,   Gus 
Private  Sochiavs,  David  H. 
Private  Slamer,  Kasiner 
Private  Southern,  Samuel 
Private  Smith,  Owen 
Private  Spitz,  Robert  A. 
Private  Stannett,  Frank  V. 
Private  Sugal,  Samuel 
Private  Tate,   Herman 
Private  Turner,  Grover  C. 
Private  Wade,  Ora  C. 
Private  Walls,  Joe 
Private  Wavinak,   Casimer 
Private  White,  John 
Private  Williams,  Dwight 
Private  Wilson,  Charles  B. 
Private  Wood,  Jesse 
Private  1/c  Wright,  James 
Private  1/c  Zolaback,  Wm. 
Private  Zolious,  Asomis  R. 

Company  "D" 

1st  Sergeant  Moore,  S.  J. 
Sergeant  Hardin,  Ralph  E. 
Sergeant  Hartin,  William  D, 
Sergeant  Hoggerty,  A.  F. 
Sergeant  Manthee,  John  J. 
Corporal  Alley,  Joseph 
Corporal  Bowen,  Reaser 
Corporal  Campell,  Silas 
Corporal   Carey,  Norman  J. 
Corporal  Harman,  John  C. 
Corporal  Hayne,  Edgar  J. 
Corporal  Henry,  Clarence  B. 
Corporal  Henry,  Clarence  P. 
Corporal  Mooris,  Frank  L. 
Corporal  Wagner,  Albert  G. 
Mechanic  Falconi,  Silnico 
Mechanic  Flood,  Edward 
Mechanic  Stevenson,  Donald 
Private  Akolois,  Joseph 
Private  All  red,  Amos  L. 
Private  Andreysick,    Stanley 
Private  Baldwin,  Frank 
Private  Barrington,  Roy  W. 
Private  Blair,  Frank  E. 
Private  Bouler,  Henry  J. 
Private  Brown,  Joseph  C. 
Private  Byrd,  Joseph  W. 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Burkett,  William 
Private  Carlson,  Tura 
Private  Cizek,  Charles  W. 
Private  Cracker,  Meril  W. 
Private  Cudiroftus,  George 
Private  Cummings,  Fred 
Private  Cusila,  Guisseppe 
Private  Dean,  Curtis 
Private  Dean,  George 
Private  August,  Eikman 
Private  1/c  Edwards,  Chas. 
Private  Frally, 
Private  Frendla,  John  L. 
Private  George,  Ben  W. 
Private  George,  John  L. 
Private  Gier,  Chaucy  N. 
Private  Gobetz,  Jakor 
Private  Henderson,  Robert  J. 
Private  Hensley,  William  S. 
Private  Hoffeins,  Charles 
Private  Jelm,  John  A. 
Private  Kizak,  William 
Private  Kihea,  George 
Private  1/c  Koechel,  H.  J. 
Private  1/c  Lemar,  Frank 
Private  Larrin,  John 
Private  Lauretta,  Tony 
Private  Leppis,  N.  B. 
Private  Logawaskas,  Wm. 
Private  Love,  Andrew 
Private  Michm,  Orville 
Private  McGowan,  Charles 
Private  McGuaine,  Marshall 
Private  Mettyger,  Willam 
Private  1/c  Nillan,  Fred 
Private  Norton,  Dewitt 
Private  O'Connor,  Dennis 
Private  O'Dell,  Charley 
Private  Oliv,  Samuel  F. 
Private  O'Kotis,  Joseph 
Private  Personius,  Harry 
Private  Pontusco,  Anthony 
Private  Powell,  Thomas 
Private  Pessel,  Ernest 
Private  Rogers,  Michael 
Private  Resendes,  Fantana 
Private  Rice,  Augustus  A. 
Private  Roach,  Ben  T. 
Private  Roach,  Charles  R. 
Private  Rossetti,  Rocco 
Private  Scheible,    George   J. 
Private  Schwager,  Jean  W. 
Private  1/c  Snyder,  Julian 
Private  1/c  Smith,  Nicolas  C. 
Private  Saule,  Courtney 
Private  1/c  Sous,  Robert 
Private  Swanson,  Gus 
Private  Swartz,  Sterling 
Private  Treola,  Anthony 
Private  1/c  Turner,  Chas. 
Private  Vieriny,  Alfred  F. 
Private  Warken,  Herman  T. 


Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 
Private 


Waif  rain,  Edwin  J 
Weese,  Lyle  D. 
Whelan,  Earl  F. 
Whitcomb,  Louis 
Wolform,  Louis 
Wormell,  Edwin  J. 
Wright,  Henry  J. 
Zebronsky,  Pete 
Zuich,  Isador. 


Company  "E" 

Sergeant  Nagre,  Gus 
Corporal  Ferrick,  John 
Corporal  Frederick,  Anton 
Corporal  Klein,   George 
Corporal  LeCroix,  Louis 
Corporal  Price,  Edward  J.  N. 
Corporal  Sittler,  Frank 
Corporal  Tiberis,  Phillip 
Bugler  Kussner,  Joseph 
Private  Adams,  James  A. 
Private  Apolintz,  John 
Private  Bell,   Sidney 
Private  Bertalis,  Anton 
Private  Belieaux,  Joseph 
Private  Block,  Shaff 
Private  Caspero,  William 
Private  Chrisefski,  Tony 
Private  Confer,  Claude 
Private  Craig,  Charles 
Private  Clary,  William  J. 
Private  Delberti,  Frank 
Private  Delehanty,  Mathies 
Private  Eldbridge,  James 
Private  Fanis,  Ray 
Private  Feni,  Gabriel 
Private  Fitzgerald,  Mark  J. 
Private  Flatrty,  Bartholmew 
Private  Fowler,  Richard  L. 
Private  Gagnos,  Stainslas 
Private  Glynn,  Joseph 
Private  Gronermever,  Wm. 
Private  Graneer,  George  F. 
Private  Hoffman,  Jack 
Private  Hanns,  Edward  J. 
Private  Hevenor,  Everett 
Private  Hitt,  Fred 
Private  Howath,  Michael 
Private  Hooks,  Shuther 
Private  Isenstat,  Ciral 
Private  Jeisey,  Albert 
Private  Jones,  George 
Private  Jordon,  Edward  M. 
Private  Knenerle,  Fred  S. 
Private  Kengon,  Ferrell,  R. 
Private  Kindt,  Henry  A. 
Private  Kleveland,  Bert  R. 
Private  Laison,  Elmer 
Private  Lebland,  Edward 
Private  Lewis,  Pearl 
Private  Lieberman,  Hayman 


Private  Madvey,  Stanley 
Private  Maynard,  Arthur 
Private  McCarthy,   Chas.  J. 
Private  Moples,  John 
Private  McGrath,    Michael 
Private  Montsinger,  Wm.  E. 
Private  Morey,  Lin  A. 
Private  Meyers,  Paul  V. 
Private  Nelton,  James  D. 
Private  Newington,  Roy  E. 
Private  North,  John  W. 
Private   Olson,   Jerker 
Private  Olson,  Terfl 
Private  O'Malley,  E.  G. 
Private  Opolling,  John 
Private  Owen,  George 
Private  Palmer,  Albert  H. 
Private  Parlinski,  Joseph 
Private  Peterson,  Harry 
Private  Phillips,  Tiberis 
Private  Pochanic,  Charles 
Private  Porter,  Loyd  T. 
Private  Pristas,  Joe 
Private  Rankins,  Perry 
Private  Reading,  Tames 
Private  Richard,  Efein 
Private  Seisinger,  Joseph 
Private  Shipman,  Joe 
Private  Stadig,  Bertie 
Private  Street,  Harry  R. 
Private  Strong,  William 
Private  Smith,  Edward 
Private  Smith,  George 
Private  Snyder,  Charles 
Private  Speropoulos,  Wm. 
Private   Tersey,   Al. 
Private  Thompson,  Andrew 
Private  Wosoloski,  Peter 
Private  Williams,  Llewelina 
Private  Yarber,  Frank 
Private  Zunker,   Herman 

Company  "F" 

1st  Sgt.  Haines,  Mark  H. 
Sergeant  Ferrizzl,   Guileppe 
Sergeant  Fish,  Floyd, 
Corporal  Andet,  Joseph 
Corporal  Brinkman,  William 
Corporal  Elsey,  Everatt 
Corporal   Hines,  Jack 
Corporal  Waluki,  Walter 
Private  Albert,  Joseph 
Private  Baswell,  Lester  L. 
Private  Battighein,  Frank 
Private  Boley,   Henry 
Private  Borbesen,  Silvio 
Private  Becker,  Ernest 
Private  Calatenti,  Peter 
Private  Colett,  Sherman 
Private  Carrode,  Ghio 
Private  DeDonda,  Donitt 


IO7 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Ford,  Everett 
Private  Keefe,  J.  O. 
Private  1/c  Kinkle,  Harry  G. 
Private  Klein,  William 
Privatte  Kaldo,  Joseph 
Private  Lay,  William 
Private  Littlefield,  Raymond 
Private  Mahoney,  James 
Private  Matt,  Stephen 
Private  Naussmon,  John 
Private  Nenadal,  Joseph 
Private  Orr,  Hannible 
Private  O'Rourke,  John  J. 
Private  Palmer,  Albert  H. 
Private  Parrish,  Estele 
Private  Partinori,  Paul 
Private  Paulson,  George 
Private  Pierce,  Jesse  B. 
Private  Root,  Frank  E. 
Private  Shea,  George 
Private  Terta,  Amiello 
Private  Terrizzi,   Guiseppi 
Private  Tillos,  Truman 
Private  Vallom,  James 
Private  Walsh,  Robert  E. 
Private  Weidneroot,  Robt.  F. 
Private  Wooley,  William 
Private  York,  Marion  A. 

Company  "G" 

1st  Sgt.  Bradley,  Andrew 
Sergeant  Brasser,  Peter 
Sergeant  Clayton,  Edgar 
Sergeant  Sickles,  Frank 
Sergeant  Warmley,  Floyd 
Sergeant  Williams,  August 
Corporal  Auhl,  Jacob  F. 
Corporal  Burns,  John  J. 
Corporal  Parish,  Harry  A. 
Corporal  Runge,  John 
Corporal  Arthur,  W.  F. 
Private  Blamer,  Paul  W. 
Private  Bluses,  William 
Private  Bouchard,  Fredi  J. 
Private  Brown,  Ray  H. 
Private  Burril,  Carl  E. 
Private  Carlson,  John  W. 
Private  Carlson  Raymond 
Private  Carrington,  Ed. 
Private  Chain,  Marion 
Private  Costello,  Eugene  Y. 
Private  Cressey,  Frederick 
Private  Croni,  Vigilio 
Private  Divine,  Stephen  A. 
Private  Dovgosz,  Sebastian 
Private  Drew,  Walter  J. 
Private  Dumis,  George 
Private  Elmer,  Lewis 
Private  Fadorwitch,  Joe 


Private  Ferguson,  Robert 
Private  Flynn,  John  Y. 
Private  Garzolonui,  Thomas 
Private  Guenner,  Louis  B. 
Private  Grayson,  Roy 
Private  Griffith,  Robert 
Private  Hains,  Samuel 
Private  Hand,  William 
Private   Heard,    George 
Private  Hoke,  Walter  E. 
Private  Hill,  Clarence 
Private  Hocking,  Roy 
Private  Hofland,  John 
Private  Holland,  John 
Private  Irwin,  Earl 
Private  Ingle,  Bernard 
Private  Kaminski,  Alex 
Private  Kaporelous,  Dennis 
Private  Kussel,  August 
Private  Ladima,  Joe 
Private  Lail,  Richard 
Private  Lavimer,  Isaac 
Private  Leach,  Harry 
Private  McGrath,  John  L. 
Private   Mick,   Walter  E. 
Private  Miller,  V. 
Private  Mooney,  Patrick 
Private  Murry,  Henry 
Private  Palmer,  Herbert 
Private  Pahl,  Louis 
Private  Peterson,  Harry 
Private  Pruscka,  Bartolo 
Private  Pugh,  Charles  W. 
Private  Reed,  Arthur 
Private  Rodney,  William 
Private  Schmitz,  C.  H. 
Private  Sherbert,  Albert  H. 
Private  Shinkle,  Albert  W. 
Private  Slack,  Allen  E. 
Private  Smith,  Fred  E. 
Private  Smith,  George 
Private  Smith,  Michael  J. 
Private  Smith,  Morris  R. 
Private  Southerland,  Ed.  J. 
Private  Strickman,  Frank  K. 
Private  Strong,  Robert 
Private  Stork,  John  P. 
Private  Suide,  Harvey  S. 
Private  Talarack,  Dominico 
Private  Tompkins,  E.  H. 
Private  Vaughn,   Dennis 
Private  Wagner,  Walter  A. 
Private  Warvell,  A.  J. 
Private  Webber,  Harold  A. 
Private  Welch,  George 
Private  Wilson,  George 
Private  Wright,  Albert 
Private  Wright  Robert  L. 
Private  Woodward,  F. 
Private  Wolds,  Tory 

1 08 


Company  "H" 

Sergeant  Brodeur,  Clifford 
Sergeant  Debenko,   Harry 
Sergeant  Powers,  Patrick  J. 
Sergeant  Randall,  Thomas 
Sergeant  Stewart,  Henry  A. 
Corporal  Atkinson,  Shirley 
Corporal  Coffey,  Charles  L. 
Corporal  Grannath,    Geo. 
Corporal  Jones,   Glenn   F. 
Corporal  Miller,    H.    H. 
Corporal  Mizzell,  Louis  W. 
Corporal  Moon,    Walter 
Corporal  Nease,  William 
Corporal  Wood,  Henel  J. 
Cook    Davidson,    Frank 
Private  Ackerman,  Walter 
Private  Alitto,    Giovanni 
Private  Arnold,  Horace 
Private  Arsenoult,   Lariy 
Private  Beechy,   David 
Private  Benzig,   Joe 
Private  Bergstrom,  Emil 
Private  Brown,    Loyd   E. 
Private  Chece,  Pasquale 
Private  Clinton,    Joseph 
Private  Kruser,  James 
Private  Cutes,    Charles    L. 
Private  Delehanty,  M.  E. 
Private  Gallo,  Pdio 
Private  Gearhart,  Gotlieb 
Private  Girard,  Alphons,  J. 
Private  Gorham,  Louis  A. 
Private  Hart,  Stephen  T. 
Private  Hutchinson,  W. 
Private  Henry,    Joe 
Private  Hoenski,   John 
Private  Inman,    John 
Private  James,  John  C. 
Private  James,   Oliver 
Private  Kampfman,  F.  J. 
Private  Kimball,  W.  D. 
Private  Kempf,  Frank  J. 
Private  Puckman,  Harold 
Private  Landen.Arthur 
Private  Laurette,  Pasquale 
Private  Lisney,    Ole 
Private  Loggia,  Angelo 
Private  Long,   Harrison 
Private  Merems,  Hyman 
Private  Mears,  Willie  L. 
Private  Miller,  Joseph 
Private  Mitchell,  Harvey 
Private  Moour,  Walter 
Private  Morinana,    G. 
Private  Otto,  Anthony  J. 
Private  Pappel,   Charles 
Private  Peeletier,  Vergil  J. 
Private  Penaligan,  W.  J. 
Private  Pfiffer,  Charles  J. 
Private  Palander,  Henry 
Private  Pfiffer,    Frank 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Radford,   John   P. 
Private  Relham,  E.   H. 
Private  Relham,   Howard 
Private  Ross,  Frederick  L. 
Private  Sager,   Albert  E. 
Private  Schultz,  Charles 
Private  Sewards,    Weltham 
Prilvate  Simpson,   William 
Private  Sommers,  Neon  B. 
Private  Stell,    Jesse 
Private  Stevens,  Alvin  W. 
Private  Sulton,  Harley  F. 
Private  Van  Pelt,  Abram 
Private  Van  Vyke,  Nelson 
Private  Wells,   Harold 
Private  Wilson,  James 
Private  Wetzell,  Buford  O. 
Private    Whalalen,    J.    J. 
Private  Wertz,  John  H. 
Private  Yonkers,  Benjamin 
Private  York,    Lester 

Company  "I" 

Sergeant  Babcock,  Ray  P. 
Sergeant  Codish,   Robert  R. 
Sergeant  Comfort,  Edward 
Sergeant  Corfman,  Edward 
Sergeant  Egan,  Thomas  E. 
Sergeant  Embtree,    C.   E. 
Sergeant  Heard,  Arnold   G. 
Sergeant  Howie,    Florin    E. 
Sergeant  Gorden,  Archer 
Sergeant  Seifert,   W.   E. 
Corporal  Bergman,    R. 
Corporal  Law,  Kenneth 
Corporal  Lillemo,  Conrad 
Corporal  Parker,  Henry  F. 
Corporal  Polach,   Melton 
Mechanic  Joachin 
Bugler  Skinner,  Arthur  N. 
Bugler  Warga,  Vincent 
Private  Anderson,  Albert 
Private  Andette,   John 
Private  Andrionick,   Tony 
Private  Apolines,  John 
Private  Bagdon,  Herman  J. 
Private  Bennett,   Fred  J. 
Private  Blango,  Angelo 
Private  Brown,  Bruce  D. 
Private  Burmeister,   Walter 
Private  Butler,  J. 
Private  Cardano,    Vincenzo 
Private  Close,    Robert 
Private  Confant,  Roy  R. 
Private  Conolly,  John 
Private  DeBreno,  Antonio 
Private  Denton,  Stoney 
Private  Detaico,  Frank 
Private  Bonner,  August  A. 
Private  Doyle,  Frank  J. 
Private  Duan,  William   M. 
Private  Dugan,  Andrew 


Private  Esman,  Louis 
Private  Fabrick,   Edwan^  3 
Private  Frederick,  Philip 
Private  Gawin,   James 
Private  Geltz,    William 
Private  Guarnova,    P. 
Private  Grubbs,    Olve   J. 
Private  Garland,    Floyd 
Private  Gellespi,   John   W. 
Private  Grier,  William   C. 
Private  Grudor,   Charles  J. 
Private  Horshell,   M. 
Private  Jazeneuleiski,  F. 
Private  Julian,  Cecil  E. 
Private  Johnson,   Walter  E. 
Private  Krkly,    Frank   C. 
Private  Kilepo,  Walter  M. 
Private  Kimball,   H.  L. 
Private  Kramer,   Paul 
Private  Krueger,  M.  F. 
Private  Klump,    George 
Private  Langston,  Folwag 
Private  Lease,  Ray 
Private  Lensinger,  Joe 
Private  Lewis,  Jesse 
Private  Lipiko,    Stanley 
Private  Makers,  Herschel  L. 
Private  Marino,  Louis  D. 
Private  McNamarra,    M. 
Private  Meyers,    Leo 
Private  Milesku,    Frank 
Private  Mikulunka,  R. 
Private  Mogles,  Milus 
Private  Mongers,   M.   E. 
Private  Motak,   Zenon 
Private  Muttson,    Harry   N. 
Private  Newton,  Tull 
Private  Nidoy,    Frank  R. 
Private  Nolan,  Vernon 
Private  Nemuck,    Frank 
Private  Oatis,    Stephen    H. 
Private  O'Connor,  A.  H. 
Private  O'Sozuxik,    John    L. 
Private  Packonsi,  Alve 
Private  Palidino,  Frank 
Private  Parent,  Arthur 
Private  Pearl,  Thomas 
Private  Permising,  Leo  A. 
Private  Price,   Arthur  E. 
Private  Price,  John  E. 
Private  Ricklefen.    Sefeld 
Private  Russe,  John 
Private  Sanders,    Henry    D. 
Private  Schulze,  Paul   G. 
Private  Schumacher,    J.    B. 
Private  Sefeld,  Racklefen 
Private  Snow7,  Alfred 
Private  Shulgr,  Paul  G. 
Private  Shumocker,   John 
Private  Staffel,  Willie  F. 
Private  Stone,  Merril  T. 
Private  Staney,  Donald  J. 
Private  Sommers,   Jacob 


Private  Tomasyrski,  EL 
Priva*  Thomas,  CmI  WZ- 
Prfvaft  Wigham,  James  S. 
Private  Waughop,   Clyde 
Private  Yarber,    Frank 
Private  Zeblesky,    Joseph 
Private  Zuzishous,     Vincent 

Company  "K" 

Sergeant  Roberts,  Joseph  B- 
Sergeant  Roberts,    James 
Sergeant  Capolanis,  G.  L. 
Corporal  Carsow,  Felix 
Corporal  Coloni,  Harold 
Corporal  Daniels,  James  T» 
Corporal  Delonne,  L.  E. 
Corporal  Gibbs,  Julius 
Corporal  Harrison,  George 
Corporal  Jasen,  John 
Corporal  Kalvalege,  A.  C. 
Corporal  Knudsen,  Ole 
Corporal  Murphy,  Patrick 
Corporal  Nelson,  Duglas 
Corporal  Saunders,  C.  O. 
Corporal  Strom,  H.  A. 
Corporal  Svggas,  Charles 
Corporal  Zigmond,  L. 
Bugler  Colbridge,  G. 
Private  Alsip,  W.   S. 
Private  Attansasio,  Jimmy 
Private  Bochny,  Albert 
Private  Barauschucke,   E. 
Private  Bissonelle,   E.   W. 
Private  Berry,  Ralph  W. 
Private  Bissenotte,  E.  W. 
Private  Blowen,    O. 
Private  Boles,  Raefel 
Private  Brennan,   H.   O. 
Private  Bronson,  Otto 
Private  Brown,  Walter  T. 
Private  Barnick,    Phillip    E- 
Private  Burden,  Henry  O. 
Private  Byrngel,  Wordban 
Private  Bush,    Claude 
Private  Christianson,  A.  K. 
Private  Christianson,   V.   T- 
Private  Chaskati,  Caso 
Private  Collini,    Frank    A. 
Private  Cook,  Harry  A. 
Private  Coye,   Robert   N. 
Private  Cummins,  Roy  E. 
Private  Crosby,    Thomas 
Private  Chaski,    Eran 
Private  Cunningham,    Fred 
Private  Edwald,  Alex.  L. 
Private  Edwald,  Orel  L. 
Private  Enea,  Peter 
Private  Fischer,   Alois 
Private  Foltz,    Said 
Private  Foss,  Clarence 
Private  Fracasso,  Tony 
Private  Goldschmidt,   Ike 


IO9 


THE       T  H  I  R  T  Y -  X  I  X  T  H       I  X  F  A  X  T  R  Y      IX       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Private  Goverovich,  J.  A. 
Private  Gowan,   M. 
Private  Gasso,    Salvatore 
Private  Granath,  Geo.  W. 
Private  Gassick,   Stanley 
Private  Henderson,  Travers 
Private  James,  Stanley 
Private  Johnson,  Ernest 
Private  Knockunes,  E.  W. 
Private  Kaiver,  James 
Private  Kratky,  Joseph 
Private  Kollalke,  Erwin 
Private  Kurbsky  E. 
Private  LaCivita,  I<ouis 
Private  Lee,  Walter 
Private   Lipschieke,   S. 
Private  Lewis,   Austin 
Private  Lyons,  Samuel 
Private  McDonald,  Frank 
Private  Miller,  J.  W. 
Private  Morden,   John 
Private  Mork,  Carl  B. 
Private  Monas,  Cevia 
Private  Murnane 
Private  Naylor,  Rowdie 
Private  Naso,  A. 
Private  Newbauer,  Emil 
Private  Nordean,  Moise 
Private  Nordean,  B.   O. 
Private  Nordian,  John 
Private  O'Keef,    Patrick    H. 
Private  Olson,  Franz  W. 
Private  Palen,  Coleman 
Private  Parakorti,  Phillip 
Private  Peroutka,  Louis  J. 
Private  Perry,  Ralph  W. 
Private  Ransdell,  E.   E. 
Private  Riccadelli,   E. 
Private  Reggis,    S. 
Private  Riss,  Donn  T. 
Private  Robinson,  James  E. 
Private  Row,  George 
Private  Sauerberg,    William 
Private  Schnelle,  F.  H. 
Private  Schultz,  Robert  H. 
Private  Seeback,  Henry 
Private  Shatterly,  William 
Private  Sizer,  Edwin  D. 
Private  Sairsen,  Felix 
Private  Smith,  Sherman 
Private  Stalhl,  Emory 
Private  Swenson,  Hilding 
Private  Pato,   G. 
Private  Thirne,  Herman  E. 
Private  Turner,  Carl  E. 
Private  Turner,  Edwood 
Private  Turner,   C.  W. 
Private  Turner,  George 
Private  Turner,  James  T. 
Private  Unger,  Charles  W. 
Private  Wichert,  Albert 
Private  Wilson,  Harold 
Private  Wetzrg,  Joseph 


Private  Whaites,  David 
Private  Wolsfeld,  J.  J. 
Private  Wozny,  J.   B. 
Private  Zimmerman,   Paul 

Company  "L" 

1st  Sergeant  Frey,  E.  C. 
Sergeant  Bleckner,  Ronald 
Sergeant  Bogentholer,  C.  A. 
Sergeant  Johnson,  James  R. 
Sergeant  Kellog,  Kenneth 
Sergeant  Kleckner,  Ronald 
Sergeant  Lackin,  John 
Sergeant  Rector,    Eric 
Sergeant  Shuff,  George  U. 
Sergeant  Tirenec,   Frank 
Corporal  Burkis,   Peter 
Corporal  Dexterman,  Joseph 
Corporal  Green,  Carl  B. 
Corporal  Jirence,   Frank 
Corporal  Liedeke,   Eirr 
Corporal  Offenbom.   Arthur 
Corporal  Parks,  Clarence 
Corporal  Romsdoe,    Conrad 
Corporal  Vogentholer,   C. 
Mechanic  Atherson,  John 
Mechanic  Townsend,  V.  A. 
Bugler  Kononof,  Atkin 
Private  Aspenleiter,  W. 
Private  Boger,   Meddi 
Private  Boggs,  Albert 
Private  Bolten,  Roy 
Private  Brown,  J.  A. 
Private  Brown,  George 
Private  Brosofkey,   Samuel 
Private  1/c  Buckwalter,  G. 
Private  Burk,   Meddie 
Private  Carter,  Fred  L. 
Private  Clark,  Lewis  L. 
Private  Cerruto,  Vincent 
Private  Chicazpla,  Peter 
Private  Conrad,  Rudolph 
Private  Corvell,   William 
Private  1/c  Cunningham,  F. 
Private  DeMasso,  James 
Private  Dennison,  Earl 
Private  Dodge,  Dane  D. 
Private  Dowbridge,   Charles 
Private  Doske,  Bernard 
Private  Earl,  Thomas 
Private  Eckert,  Harold 
Private  Exler,  Harold 
Private  Falkner,  Merril 
Private  Featherstone,    L.    C. 
Private  Fesemeir,   James 
Private  Friez,  Thomas 
Private  Foster,  Clyde 
Private  Gallagher,    Thomas 
Private  Gionnette,  Dominico 
Private  Hammond,  Earl 
Private  Hanner,  Earl 
Private  Heller,  William 


Private  Heifner,  James 
Private  Heillner,   Joseph 
Private  Higgins,   Nathan 
Private  Holms,   Benjamin 
Private  Hutton,  John 
Private  Hug,  Frederick 
Private  Hughes,  Willie  C. 
Private  Jessin,  Harold  E. 
Private  Jorael,  Arnold 
Private  Kafkalas,   George 
Private  Cononof,  Atkins  •,'■ 
Private  Lane,    Henry 
Private  Martin,  Charles  D. 
Private  Mason,    Clyde 
Private  Mattison,  Fred  C. 
Private  McGovern,  Thomas 
Private  McPherson,  Earl 
Private  Merrit,   Raymond 
Private  Mills,  Hersrel 
Private  Moore,  John  H. 
Private  Mozinick,  Andzie 
Private  Neff,   Nelson 
Private  Noonan,  Thomas 
Private  1/c  Oleruimi,  O. 
Private  Patolfi,   Tony 
Private  Peni,   Santo 
Private  Pettigren,   Luther 
Private  Peterson,    Hansr 
Private  Poutolfi,   Tom- 
Private  Pruitt,  Jesse   D. 
Private  1/c  Rhein,  Benjamin 
Private  Redgan,    Gilmer 
Private  Robertson,  Walter 
Private  Rossen,  Arthur 
Private  Spencer,  Jesse  E. 
Private  Smith,    O.   E. 
Private  Smith,  Ralph  A. 
Private  Stanley,  James  F. 
Private  Stenbaugh,  Carl 
Private  Stewart,  Charles  W. 
Private  Scarantron,  E. 
Private  Theidious,    Andrew 
Private  Townsend,  V.  A. 
Private  Tramonpe,  Toney 
Private  Wheeler,    Lamois 
Private  Welland,  Paul  R. 
Private  Wills,  Williams 
Private  Willidtte,    Thomas 
Private  Yakaitas,   Louis 

Company  "M" 


Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Corporal 
Corporal 
Corporal 
Corporal 
Corporal 


Brodeur,    Clifford 
Houston,   William 
Iians,  William 
Lerh,   Herbert 
Mahoney,  Victor 
Quiams,   William 
Barone,  D. 
Bressett,  Clinton 
Corice,  Albert  A. 
Draper,  Austin 
Erros,  Manuel 


IIO 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE       WORLD      WAR 


Corporal  Frazier,  Robert  A. 
Corporal  Frazier,  John  C. 
Corporal  Jarvis,   Kenneth 
Corporal  Kromer,  Arthur 
Corporal  Mckinna,  Peter  A. 
Corporal  Warren,  Roscoe 
Mechanic  Kipler,  Fred 
Private  Atkinson 
Private  Baldwin,  Leon  F. 
Private  Bochen,  A.  A. 
Private  Blohn,  Louis 
Private  Byrn,  Walter  L. 
Private  Carlton,  Oran  E. 
Private  Chevalzcosji,   J. 
Private  Christian,  B.  W. 
Private  Clarkson,   Owen   O. 
Private  Coiry,  James 
Private  Conuas,  Arthur  G. 
Private  Dow,  Vernon  E. 
Private  Dunnam,  John  D. 
Private  Dunnean,  John 
Private  Filepowith,    Walter 
Private  Fox,  Earl  A. 
Private  Frattolotto,   G. 
Private  Freeburg,    H.   A. 


Private  Geid,  Ralph 
Private  Harris,   Victor 
Private  Haupt,   James 
Private  Hawboker,   V.  R. 
Private  Henring,   Henry 
Private  Hohn,  Gustave  A. 
Private  Klembeck,   Frank 
Private  Lisher,    Alain 
Private  Mann,    Harold 
Private  Matson,  Helmer 
Private  Micelatki,    Charles 
Private  Moser,  Joseph 
Private  Mrilka,  Charles 
Private  Nelson,   Stethnan  E. 
Private  Newman,  William 
Private  North,    Clarence 
Private  Oates,  John 
Private  Omitage,  Robert  A. 
Private  Ovuhall,    Charles 
Private  Park,  Charles 
Private  Parry,  William 
Private  Partington,  Geo. 
Private  Petkus,  Anthony 
Private  Phillips,  Guy 
Private  Piamonte,  James 
Private  Polly,  William 


Private  Pendergast,  A. 
Private  Quiams,  William 
Private  Richards,  Efen 
Private  Riger,    Harry 
Private  Riggs,   Joseph   N. 
Private  Robilard,    George 
Private  Rotermund,  Lewis 
Private  Sands,  Theophlins 
Private  Schussler,  Edward 
Private  Scott,   Edward 
Private  Shaw,  Dale  V. 
Private  Shockey,    Elmer 
Private  Spannam,  George 
Private  Stefano,  Donato 
Private  Stillman,  Nelson 
Private  Sullington,   Geo. 
Private  Teague,  James 
Private  Thomas,   Walter 
Private  Trabaghia,    Gaclow 
Private  Tuner,  Lester 
Private  Walker,  Walter 
Private  Waliser,   Carl   O. 
Private  Warrlow,   Edward 
Private  Wolf,  Fred  A. 
Private  Yooengdohl,  J. 


I  I  I 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Distinguished  Service  Cross  Croix  De  Guerre   (French) 


Colonel  Frank  C.  Bolles 

Colonel  J.  K.  Parsons 

Captain    (now  Major)   Ralph  Slate 

Captain  Robert  W.  Norton 

Captain  Richard  G.  Plumley 

lst  Lieutenant  William  H.  Hammond 

1st  Lieutenant  (now  Captain)  Mathias  W. 

Haney 
2nd  Lieutenant  (now  1st  Lieutenant)  Sam- 
uel P.  Adkisson 
Regimental    Sergeant    Major    Edward    R. 

Lawless,  Headquarters  Co. 
Regimental   Sergeant  Major  Lee  M.  Ray, 

Headquarters  Co. 
1st   Sergeant   Ernest  R.   Potter,    Company 

"D" 
Sergeant  Arthur  I.  Clark,  Company  "C" 
Sergeant    Frank    B.    Gresham,    Company 

"G" 
Sergeant   Henry   Howard,   Company   "A" 
Sergeant  John  W.  Norton,  Company  "I" 
Sergeant  James  Roberts,   Company   "K" 
Sergeant  William  A.  Shea,  Machine  Gun 

Company 
Corporal   Raymond   Buma,   Machine   Gun 

Company 
Private  Charles  H.  Evans,  Company  "B" 
Private  Paul  J.  Pappas,  Company  "M" 
Private  Carl  Rasmussen,  Company  "B" 
Private  Stephano  Riggio,  Company  "K" 
Private  Joe  Smith,  Company  "C" 


Distinguished  Service  Medal 

Colonel  Frank  C.  Bolles 


Officiers  de  la  Legion 
d'Honneur 


Colonel  Frank  C.  Bolles 


Chevaliers  de  la  Legion 
d'Honneur 

Captain  Mathias  W.  Haney 

Captain  Robert  W.  Norton 

1st  Lieutenant  William  H.  Hammond 


Regimental   Colors,   Thirty-ninth  Infantry 

(With    Gold  Star) 
Colonel  Frank  C.  Bolles    (With  Gold  Star) 
Lieut.   Colonel    (now   Colonel)    Robert   H. 

Peck    (With  Palm) 
Major    (now   Lieut.   Colonel)    Manton   C. 

Mitchell    (With  Palm) 
Major  Henry  Terril,  Jr.    (With  Palm) 
Major  J.  T.  Clement    (With  Silver  Star) 
Captain  (now  Major)  Ralph  Slate    (With 
Bronze  Star)    (With  Gold  Star) 
Captain  R.  W.  Norton    (With  Palms,  2) 
1st    Lieutenant     (now    Captain)    Mathias 

W.  Haney    (With  Gold  Star  and  Palm) 
1st      Lieutenant      Phillip      J.      Davidson 

(Posthumous) 
1st    Lieutenant    William    H.     Hammond 

(With  Palm) 
2nd  Lieutenant  Albert  W.  Emmons 
2nd     Lieutenant      (now     1st     Lieutenant) 

Archibald  R.  Gordon, 
2nd  Lieutenant  D.  S.  Grant  (Posthumous) 
2nd  Lieutenant  Paul  S.  Strickland     (Post- 
humous) 
Sergeant  John  Dean,  Company  "L" 
Sergeant  H.   Howard     (With   Gold   Star) 
Sergeant  T.   H.   Evans,   Company  "B" 
Sergeant    Frank    B.    Gresham     Company 

"G"    (With  Gold  Star) 
Sergeant  Daniel  P.  Healey,  Company  "L" 
Sergeant  John   W.  Norton,   Company  "I" 

(With  Gold  Star) 
Sergeant  Robert  Kostelak,   Company  "M" 
Sergeant  G.  W.  Miller,  Company  "F" 
Sergeant  G.  Van  Stanwood,  Company  "E" 
Sergeant  R.  D.  Winters,   Company  "A" 
Corporal  Frank  De  Luca,  Company  "I" 
Corporal  Mark  Reid,  Company  "E" 
Bugler   Arthur   Bickstein,    Company    "H" 

(With  Gold  Star) 
Private     1/c     Peter     P.     Jones,     Medical 

Detachment 
Private    Stephano    Riggio,    Company    "I" 

(With  Gold  Star) 
Private  H.  J.  Fitzsimmons,  Company  "G" 
Private   Paul   J.   Pappas,   Company   "M" 
(With  Gold  Star) 

Croce  Di  Guerra  (Italian) 

Sergeant  W.  A.   Shea,  Machine  Gun  Co. 
Private  Paul  J.  Pappas,  Company  "M" 
Private  Joe  Smith,  Company  "C" 


114 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Colonel   Frank  C.  Bolles 

Major   (now  Lieutenant  Colonel)   Manton 

C.  Mitchell, 
Major  Joseph  T.  Clement 
Major  Fred  W.  Hackett 
1st  Lieutenant  Acadia  Gluckman 
2nd  Lieutenant   (now    1st   Lieutenant)    E. 

F.  Campbell 
2nd  Lieutenant  Herbert  A.  Cohn 
2nd  Lieutenant  James  B.  Edmond 
2nd  Lieutenant  Robert   R.    Galloway 
2nd    Lieutenant     (now      1st      Lieutenant) 

Charles  W.  Pence 
1st  Sergeant  A.  Bradley,  Company  "G" 
Sergeant  Edward  Clayton,  Company  "G" 
Sergeant  Percy  Fogg,   Company  "C" 
Sergeant  Leslie  Garrett,  Company  "E" 
Sergeant  Frank  Gaynor,  Company  "E" 
Sergeant  Millard  Jackson,  Company  "A" 
Sergeant  Claude   Jacques,   Company   "E" 
Sergeant  W.  H.  Lowney,  Company  "H" 
Sergeant  John  Manthe,  Company  "D" 
Corporal  Hylamer  Bosell,  Company  "H" 
Corporal  Einar  Brateing,   Company   "A" 


Corporal  Joseph  Katz,  Company  "C" 
Corporal  Linnie  McBride,  Company  "G" 
Corporal  W.  J.  Monahan,  Company  "G" 
Corporal  M.  Slitter,  Company  "E" 
Corporal  Glen     Thayer,     Machine     Gun 

Company 
Bugler  Marshall  E.  Young,  Company  "D" 
Private  1/c  J.   Campbell,   Company  "A" 
Private    1/c    Edward    Mercier,    Medical 

Detachment 
Private  Roy  W.  Baker,  Co.  "H" 
Private  D.  A.  Benschoter,  Company  "H" 
Private  Verne  Dillon,  Company  "D" 
Private  Charles  H.  Evans,  Company  "B" 
Private  E.  J.  Higgins,  Company  "A" 
Private  John  J.   Howard,   Company  "G" 
Private  John  G.  Hugh,  Company  "G" 
Private  L.  G.  Leach,  Company  "H" 
Private  Teday  Mazot,  Company  "F" 
Private  Harold  B.  Miles,  Company  "B" 
Private  Ray  Nockings,   Company  "G" 
Private  Paul  J.  Pappas,  Company  "M" 
Private  Charles  F.  Seavey,  Company  "B" 


116 


)VEME 


311 


CHAP'I'KU).  v 


TMAM 


Marching  into  Germany 

FOR  the  purpose  of  occupying  German  territory  in  accord- 
ance with  the  terms  of  the  Armistice,  the  Third  Army  was 
organized  as  the  American  Army  of  Occupation.  This 
army  was  formed  of  nine  of  the  best  combat  divisions  in  the 
American  Expeditionary  Forces,  and  naturally  the  Ivy  Division 
was  included. 

Now  that  actual  hostilities  were  at  an  end,  another  great  test 
of  our  courage,  discipline,  determination  and  stick-to-it-iveness 
awaited  us.  The  gruelling,  long  march  into  Germany  called  for 
all  the  splendid  qualities  which  characterized  our  soldiers  in 
active  campaigning.  Every  man  was  determined  to  show  to  the 
German  population  that  their  armies  were  defeated  by  the  best 
troops  the  world  had  ever  known.  It  devolved  upon  the  veterans 
to  set  a  high  standard  of  march  discipline  and  endurance  of 
hardships  as  an  example  for  the  newly  received  replacements. 
The  appearance  of  the  men  and  transport  was  to  be  immaculate 
and  beyond  criticism  at  all  times.  With  such  ideals  fully  deter- 
mined on,  the  regiment  commenced  its  memorable  march  into 
the  enemy  country. 

The  Thirty-ninth  Infanthy  (less  the  3rd  Battalion),  equipped 
in  heavy  marching  order,  cleared  Commercy  at  7  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  November  20th.  After  crossing  the  Meuse  into 
Vignot,  the  Third  Battalion  joined  the  column.  The  line  of 
march  led  through  Boncourt,  hiouville,  St.  Agnant,  Apremont, 
Woinville,  Buxerulles,  Buxieres,  into  Headicourt,  where  the  en- 
tire regiment  bivouacked  for  the  night  in  a  field  about  one  kilo- 
meter outside  the  town.  This  march  of  22  kilometers  was  through 
country  which  had  recently  been  fought  over,  and  in  many  cases 
the  roads  were  either  newly  repaired  or  in  the  course  of  repair. 
The  country  was  a  mass  of  barbed  wire  and  trenches,  and  all  the 
towns  showed  evidence  of  considerable  shelling,  particularly  St. 
Agnant  and  Apremont. 

117 


THE       THIRTY-  NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Marching  through  a  French  village  on  the  way  to  Germany. 
Lower:    Kitchens  and  transport  on  the  march. 

118 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

On  the  morning  of  November  21st  we  resumed  our  march, 
passing  through  Vigneulles,  Hattonville,  Billy,  St.  Maurice, 
Woel,  Jonville,  Hannonville,  Brainville  to  Conflans,  where  all 
units  except  the  First  Battalion  bivouacked  for  the  night.  The 
First  Battalion  continued  its  march  into  Labry,  where  it  was  bil- 
leted for  the  night  in  old  French  barracks  which  had  been  evac- 
uated by  the  Germans  but  several  days  prior  to  our  arrival.  The 
distance  covered  on  this  day  was  about  43  kilometers  Between 
Woel  and  Joinville  we  crossed  what  was  No  Mans  Land  at  the 
time  the  Armistice  was  signed.  We  were  extended  a  fine  recep- 
tion by  the  inhabitants  of  Conflans,  which  had  been  occupied  by 
the  enemy  since  practically  the  beginning  of  the  war.  It  had 
also  gained  the  name  of  'Pumping  Station"  on  account  of  the 
fact  that  Allied  prisoners  captured  in  this  sector  were  sent  here 
for  their  examination. 

Continuing  the  march  the  following  day  (November  22nd), 
we  went  through  Labry,  Valleroy,  Briey,  Averil,  Neunhauser. 
The  regiment  halted  for  the  night  as  follows:  Regimental  Head- 
quarters and  the  special  units  at  Hay nn gen,  First  and  Second  Bat- 
talions at  Algringen,  and  the  Third  Battalion  at  Kneuttingen. 
The  march  for  this  day  was  about  25  kilometers  ,and  took  us 
through  a  beautiful  country  which  had  escaped  destruction  dur- 
ing the  war.  Most  of  the  towns  seemed  to  be  prosperous  and  there 
were  a  number  of  manufacturing  plants  in  them.  We  had  passed 
through  the  famous  Briey  coal  fields  toward  which  the  Allied 
attack  was  about  to  be  launched  when  stopped  by  the  Armis- 
tice. When  we  entered  the  town  of  Neunhauser,  we  left  France 
behind  and  entered  into  Lorraine.  All  the  towns  in  Lorraine 
through  which  we  marched  were  gayly  decorated  in  honor  of 
the  arrival  of  Allied  troops.  Banners  and  signs  of  welcome  were 
very  much  in  evidence,  and  we  were  acclaimed  as  deliverers  of 
an  oppressed  people.  Many  local  citizens'  committees  welcomed 
us  officially,  while  the  women  and  children  dressed  in  their  quaint 
native  costumes  greeted  us  affectionately. 

On  November  23rd  we  marched  through  Otringen,  arriving 
shortly  after  noon  at  Gross  Hettingen,  where  the  entire  regiment 
was  billeted.  During  our  eight  days'  stay  at  this  town,  we 
bathed,  cleaned  our  equipment,  and  devoted  considerable  time 
to  close  order  drill  and  guard  duty.  The  weather  was  very 
miserable,  as  it  rained  almost  continuously  during  all  the  eight 
days. 

119 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Upper:    Starting  on  the  day's  march  from  Remich,  Luxembourg. 
Lower:    Thirty-ninth  doughboys  crossing  the  Moselle  into  Germany. 


I  20 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

On  December  2nd  we  resumed  our  march,  going  through 
Ruttgen,  Rentgen,  Altweis,  Mondorf,  and  were  billeted  for  the 
night  as  follows.  Regimental  Headquarters,  Headquarters  Com- 
pany and  the  Second  Battalion  at  Welfrange;  First  Battalion  at 
Ellange;  Third  Battalion,  Machine  Gun  and  Supply  Companies 
atErpeldange.  This  day's  march  of  about  17  kilometers  carried 
us  across  the  border  into  Luxembourg,  the  town  of  Altweis  being 
the  first  of  that  little  country  which  we  entered. 

December  3rd  was  a  very  memorable  day.  Resuming  our 
march  early  in  the  morning,  we  went  through  Remich,  crossed 
the  bridge  there  over  the  Moselle  River,  and  at  10:35  en~ 
tered  Germany.  It  was  on  this  day  also  that  the  Division 
Commander,  Major  General  Mark  L.  Hersey,  commended  our 
regiment  for  its  splendid  achievement.  He  stated  that  in  all 
of  his  experience  he  had  never  before  witnessed  march  discipline 
so  nearly  approaching  perfection  as  that  of  our  regiment.  Pass- 
ing through  Nennig,  Sinz,  Kirf,  Meurich,  the  regiment  was  bil- 
leted for  the  night  as  follows :  Regimental  Headquarters,  Head- 
quarters Company,  Machine  Gun  Company,  "I"  and  "K"  Com- 
panies at  Saarburg;  First  Battalion  at  Trassen;  "E"  Company  at 
Portz;  "F",  "G",  "H"  and  Supply  Companies  at  Keisen;  "L" 
and  "M"  Companies  at  Perdenbach.  The  distance  marched  was 
approximately  24  kilometers. 

The  following  day,  December  4th,  we  continued  on  our  way, 
going  through  Niederleuken,  Birbelhausen,  Wiltingen,  and 
halted  for  "the  night  as  follows:  Regimental  Headquarters, 
Headquarters  Company  and  Machine  Gun  Company  at  Krett- 
nach;  Supply  Company,  First  and  Second  Battalions  at  Ober 
Emmel;  Third  Battalion  at  Ober  Mennig.  Distance  marched 
on  this  day  approximately  18  kilometers. 

On  December  5th  our  march  carried  us  through  Franzen- 
heim,  Pluivig,  Schondorf,  Bonerath,  Morscheid  and  Waldrach, 
where  all  units,  except  the  Third  Battalion,  were  billeted.  The 
Third  Battalion  stopped  for  the  night  at  Casel.  The  day's  march 
of  about  24  kilometers  was  a  very  trying  one,  as  the  country  was 
exceptionally  hilly,  and  it  was  necessary  for  the  men  to  push  the 
wagon  trains  up  the  many  steep  hills. 

At  this  time  the  Regiment  was  ordered  to  send  by  rail  one 
complete  battalion  to  Coblentz  for  duty.  Colonel  Bolles  designat- 
ed the  Second  Battalion,  under  command  of  Major  Hackett,  for 
this  detail,  and  Lieut.  Colonel  Lockett  to  accompany  it  as  Mili- 
tary Commander  of  the  city.  On  December  6th  the  Second  Bat- 

121 


THE       THIRTY- NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 

talion  marched  to  Rwwer-Paulin,  where  it  was  inspected  by 
Major  General  Hersey  the  following  day.  Early  in  the  morn- 
ing of  December  8th,  it  marched  to  Trier,  where  it  entrained, 
arriving  at  Coblentz  at  2:15  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  These 
were  the  first  Allied  combat  troops  to  enter  the  city  of  Coblentz. 
Contrary  to  the  expectations  of  the  civilian  population,  no  cere- 
mony or  parade  of  any  sort  marked  our  entry.  A  number  of 
newspaper  men  who  accompanied  the  Second  Battalion  from 
Trier,  ready  to  give  wide  publicity  to  the  important  event,  found 
it  less  sensational  than  they  had  expected.  Our  entry  into  Cob- 
lentz was  no  more  dramatic  nor  spectacular  than  the  entrance  of 
our  troops  into  any  other  less  important  places  in  Germany.  The 
troops  detrained  quickly  but  quietly,  and  marched  to  the  Ger- 
man barracks  in  different  parts  of  the  city.  By  3:15  p.  m.,  one 
hour  after  our  arrival,  we  occupied  the  German  barracks,  re- 
lieved their  sentinels  at  the  bridges,  arsenal,  railroad  yards,  and 
took  complete  possession  of  the  city. 

At  first  our  battalion  was  the  only  American  military  organi- 
zation in  Coblentz,  and  in  addition  to  the  regular  guard  duties, 
did  the  patrolling  along  the  river  front  and  through  the  city, 
regulated  traffic,  and  performed  military  police  work.  On 
December  16th  Third  Army  Headquarters  moved  into  the  city, 
and  some  of  their  military  police  companies  relieved  us  of  part 
of  our  work.  About  two  weeks  after  our  arrival,  a  battalion  of 
the  Fifty-eighth  Infantry  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Lockett.  However,  despite  the  help  of  these  additional 
troops,  the  duties  of  the  Second  Battalion  were  expanded,  and  the 
situation  was  by  no  means  relieved.  Battalion  parades  and  formal 
guard  mounts  were  held  every  other  day.  On  the  occasion  of  the 
visits  of  General  Pershing  and  the  Prince  of  Wales,  our  men 
were  turned  out  as  Guards  of  Honor  for  the  distinguished  visi- 
tors. When  the  Commander-in-Chief  inspected  the  troops  in 
the  vicinity  of  Coblentz,  he  complimented  the  Thirty-ninth 
Infantry  men  for  the  splendid  appearance  they  made. 

One  of  the  longest  and  most  difficult  marches  we  made  was  on 
December  6th.  We  started  to  march  at  7  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
and  did  not  reach  our  destinations  until  10:30  o'clock  that  night. 
Our  route  lay  through  Ruaver,  Paulin,  Schweich,  Hetzerath, 
Clausen,  Osann,  Maring  and  Lieser,  where  all  units  except  "I" 
and  "M"  Companies  remained  for  the  night,  while  the  latter 
proceeded  through  Cues  to  Berncastel,  and  there  halted.  The 
distance  marched  this  day  was  about  40  kilometers. 

122 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

The  following  morning  the  march  was  resumed.  We  went 
through  Cues,  crossed  the  Moselle  into  Berncastel,  then  through 
Longkamp,  and  halted  for  one  day  and  two  nights  at  the  follow- 
ing towns:  Regimental  Headquarters,  Headquarters  Company, 
Supply  Company,  and  the  Third  Battalion  at  Hinzerath;  "A" 
and  "B"  Companies  at  Cleinich;  "C"  and  "D"  Companies  and 
Machine  Gun  Company  at  Ober  Cleinich.  Distance  marched 
about  twenty  kilometers. 

On  the  morning  of  December  9th  the  march  was  resumed, 
Regimental  Headquarters,  Headquarters  Company,  Supply 
Company  and  the  Third  Battalion  halting  for  the  night  at  Buch- 
enbeuren,  while  the  First  Battalion  and  Machine  Gun  Company 
were  billeted  at  Wurrich.  The  distance  marched  was  about  15 
kilometers,  but  the  weather  was  very  unpleasant,  being  quite 
cold  and  rainy. 

On  December  10th  a  march  of  about  26  kilometers  was  made, 
the  First  Battalion  and  Machine  Gun  Company  going  through 
Kappel  and  Kastellaun  to  Buck,  where  they  were  billeted.  The 
remaining  units  marched  through  Wurrich,  Loffelscheid,  Blank- 
erath  to  M aster shaus en,  where  they  halted.  The  regiment  re- 
mained in  this  area  three  nights  and  two  days,  during  which  time 
the  men  took  a  well  earned  rest,  cleaned  their  clothes  and  equip- 
ment, and  prepared  themselves  for  the  continuation  of  the  march. 

On  Friday,  December  13th,  we  marched  35  kilometers  in  a 
steady  downpour  of  rain.  The  First  Battalion  and  Machine  Gun 
Company  passed  through  Morsdorf  to  Treis,  where  they  crossed 
the  Moselle  on  a  German  pontoon  bridge,  then  through 
Pommern  and  Kail  to  Illerich,  where  they  halted.  The  other 
units  marched  through  Blankerath,  Alt,  Strimmig,  Treis,  to 
Klotten,  where  they  were  billeted.  The  poor  roads  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country  were  almost  washed  away  by  the  heavy  rains, 
and  made  the  marching  exceedingly  difficult.  In  addition,  the 
transportation  had  to  be  pushed  along  almost  during  the  entire 
march. 

The  following  day  we  marched  through  Landkern  and 
Kaisersech  to  Monreal,  where  Regimental  Headquarters,  Head- 
quarters Company,  Supply  Company,  and  the  Third  Battalion 
were  billeted.  The  First  Battalion  and  Machine  Gun  Company 
went  on  through  Weiler  to  Luxem,  where  they  were  to  halt  for 
the  night.  On  arrival  at  this  town,  however,  we  found  that  it 
was  occupied  by  other  troops,  and  that  the  billeting  facilities 

123 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

were  insufficient  to  accommodate  our  men.  The  First  Battalion 
therefore  went  to  Barr,  and  Machine  Gun  Company  to 
Herresbach. 

On  December  15th  we  proceeded  through  Dottingen,  Breid- 
scheid,  Adenau  to  Leimbach,  where  the  Third  Battalion  halted. 
Regimental  Headquarters  was  established  at  Bruck;  Headquar- 
ters Company  and  Machine  Gun  Company  at  Liers;  Supply 
Company  at  Nieder  Adenau;  "A"  and  "C"  Companies  at 
Schuld;  "B"  and  "D"  Companies  at  Dumpelfeld.  On  arrival 
in  this  area,  we  were  informed  that  our  march  was  ended,  and 
that  we  were  to  remain  here  for  some  time.  The  next  day,  Head- 
quarters Company,  "I"  and  "L"  Companies  moved  to  Bruck; 
Supply  Company  to  Dumpelfeld;  "B"  Company  to  Insul;  "K" 
and  "M"  Companies  to  Honningen.  On  December  17th  "I" 
Company  moved  to  Putzfeld. 

When  we  were  finally  settled  on  December  17th,  the  Regi- 
ment was  stationed  as  follows:  Regimental  Headquarters,  Head- 
quarters Company  and  "L"  Company  at  Bruck;  Machine  Gun 
Company  at  Liers;  Supply  Company  and  aD"  Company  at 
Dumpelfeld;  "A"  and  "C"  Companies  at  Schuld;  "B"  Company 
at  Insul;  "I"  Company  at  Putzfeld;  "K"  and  "M"  Companies  at 
Honningen. 

We  feel  that  we  are  quite  just  in  stating  that  our  march  from 
France  into  Germany  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  wonder- 
ful achievements  of  the  American  Army.  The  officers  and  men 
who  participated  in  it  will  long  remember  and  cherish  the 
thoughts  of  this  accomplishment.  During  almost  the  entire 
march  the  weather  was  very  inclement.  Many  of  the  marches 
were  made  in  continuous  rain,  and  at  times  the  clothing  and 
equipment  remained  wet  and  damp  for  days.  The  roads,  which 
were  left  in  terrible  condition  by  the  retreating  Germans,  were 
impassable  in  some  cases,  and  in  many  instances  we  were  com- 
pelled to  change  our  routes,  making  long  detours  and  counter- 
marches. The  exhausted  animals  did  their  best  to  haul  the 
heavily  loaded  wagon  trains,  but  the  ruined  and  muddy  roads 
and  the  hilly  nature  of  the  country  made  it  impossible  for  them 
to  do  it  alone.  Our  troops,  carrying  their  full  equipment,  and 
themselves  very  tired,  put  their  shoulders  to  the  wheels  and 
pushed  the  transportation  along,  making  it  possible  for  the  trains 
to  keep  up  with  us. 

The  appearance  of  the  men  and  transport  throughout  the 
entire  march  was  beyond  the  highest  expectations.    Despite  the 

124 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

inclement  weather  and  lack  of  facilities,  the  men's  clothing  were 
kept  neat,  trim  and  pressed,  and  shoes  were  shined  at  all  times. 
On  arrival  at  our  billets  at  the  end  of  the  day's  march,  the  troops 
devoted  considerable  time  in  washing  and  scrubbing  their  cloth- 
ing and  equipment,  and  in  preparing  for  the  march  of  the  fol- 
lowing day. 

Marching  at  the  head  of  the  column,  the  regimental  band 
played  as  we  passed  through  each  town  and  village,  while  the 
troops  marched  at  attention.  We  have  no  doubt  but  that  the 
determinations  and  ideals  with  which  we  set  out  on  the  march 
were  fully  carried  out  and  the  impression  we  made  on  the  Ger- 
man population  was  excellent. 

The  memory  of  the  strenuous  days  and  nights  spent  in  train- 
ing and  in  battle,  and  the  great  cause  for  which  we  had  fought 
were  ever  present  in  our  minds.  We  had  defeated  the  armies 
of  the  most  militaristic  nation  in  the  world,  and  our  regiment 
had  played  an  important  part  in  this,  the  greatest  and  bloodiest 
of  wars.  We  had  compelled  the  enemy  to  beg  for  peace,  and  we, 
of  the  victorious  army,  were  now  entering  their  country.  We 
were  very  proud  of  our  achievements,  and  the  discipline  and 
morale  of  our  troops  brought  forth  unlimited  praise  from  many 
sources. 

For  a  week  after  our  arrival  in  the  Bruck  area  we  rested, 
cleaned  our  clothing  and  equipment,  and  made  our  billets  as 
comfortable  as  possible.  We  also  received  some  new  clothing 
and  shoes,  which  were  particularly  needed.  It  is  safe  to  say  that 
there  were  on  an  average  of  forty  men  per  company  who  made 
the  march  into  Germany  with  part  or  all  of  their  soles  entirely 
gone — and  some  men  were  nearly  barefooted. 

On  December  27th  our  Brigade  was  assembled  near  Adenau, 
Germany,  where  Major  General  Mark  L.  Hersey  presented  the 
Distinguished  Service  Cross  to  Brig.  Gen.  B.  A.  Poore,  and  the 
Croix  de  Guerre  to  Major  M.  C.  Mitchell,  Capt.  M.  W.  Haney, 
and  Sgt.  F.  De  Luca,  of  "I"  Company,  together  with  several 
awards  to  officers  and  men  of  other  units  of  the  Brigade.  After 
the  presentation  ceremonies,  the  Brigade  was  reviewed. 

Due  to  the  efforts  of  Colonel  Bolles  to  secure  better  quarters 
for  the  regiment,  we  moved  on  December  28th,  by  marching, 
through  Kempenich,  where  Regimental  Headquarters  and  the 
special  units  were  billeted,  the  remaining  units  being  bil- 
leted in  the  vicinity  of  Kempenich.    The  following  day,  Decem- 

125 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

ber  29th,  the  First  Battalion  marched  to  Rieden,  and  the  Third 
Battalion  to  Weibern.  In  this  area  the  regiment  had  plenty  of 
billeting  accommodations,  and  comfortably  settled  down  to  the 
life  incident  to  the  occupation  of  German  territory. 


Five-year-old  Tony  Schaefer  of  Kempenich, 
Germany,  rendering  a  salute 


126 


The  bravest  men  in 

the  Regiment  as 

chosen  by  their 

comrades 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Headquarters  Company 

Sergeant  Otto  S.  Johnson,  born  too  near  the  Swedish  coast  to  break  the 
family's  sea-going  traditions.  Has  sailed  the  seven  seas.  Collided  with  a 
typhoon  on  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  was  only  rescued  after  two  and  one-half 
days  in  an  open  boat.  "The  U.  S.  A.  for  me"  was  a  decision  he  made  after 
visiting  five  continents.  Just  to  show  that  he  meant  it,  when  the  39th  In- 
fantry got  into  actions,  Johnson's  most  convincing  argument  to  the  Boche 
was  the  penetrative  talk  of  his  one-pounders. 


Machine  Gun  Company 

Private  First  Class  Charles  G.  Weir,  Belfast  to  Montana  at  the  age  of 
seventeen.  Besides  baggage  he  brought  plenty  of  fighting  spirit  and  gales 
of  wit.  His  father  and  three  brothers  served  the  British  cause.  Two  of  his 
brothers  made  the  supreme  sacrifice  in  the  great  war.  "Fearless  Red  Weir" 
is  a  runner  who  did  faithful  work  in  every  battle  the  organization  took  part. 
His  wit,  song  and  ever  joyful  mood  is  very  contagious.  Happy  are  his  com- 
rades when  "Red"  Weir  is  around. 


Supply  Company 

Wagoner  Dexter  Potter.  "Well,  they're  pretty  durn  bad,"  he  drawled  when 
a  Boche  shell  fragment  knocked  a  cup  of  coffee  out  of  his  hand;  and  then 
continued  eating  without  showing  any  interest  in  the  gaping  shell  hole  a 
few  feet  away.  The  obstacle  has  not  yet  been  found  which  can  keep  Potter 
away  from  his  organization.  He  has  been  "very  much"  present  for  the  last 
twentv  months. 


Medical  Detachment 

Sergeant  Edward  S.  Mercier,  a  Troy,  New  Yorker,  has  been  in  all  the  regi- 
ment's campaigns.  He  knew  that  men  who  needed  bandages  couldn't  come 
after  them,  and  that  they  needed  attention  during  the  "strafe"  as  much  as 
during  the  lull.  One  General  recognized  his  efforts,  that's  why  he  wears 
the  silver  star.  The  "buddies"  he  has  helped,  also  have  a  few  more  cita- 
tions to  add. 

128 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Sergeant  Otto  S.  Johnson 
Wagoner  Dexter  Potter 


Private  (1st  Class)  Charles  G.  Weir 
Sergeant  Edward  S.  Mercier 


129 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


"A"  Company 

Corporal  Jeffery  Gibbons,  from  Quakertown.  Any  Jerry  sentiment  that 
Quakers  are  peaceful  was  certainly  settled  adversely  in  the  fiery  arguments 
in  "No  Man's  Land."  He  did  not  get  his  warrant  in  the  rush;  ever  brave, 
faithful  and  obedient,  it  required  the  acid  test  of  action  on  the  Vesle  to  show 
some  one  that  he  was  entitled  to  non-com.  chevrons. 


"B"  Company 

Private  William  F.  Krueger,  native  son  of  the  Empire  State.  As  Sergeant 
he  proved  to  be  a  fearless  leader  in  all  the  engagements  of  the  39th  In- 
fantry. Retired  to  "private"  life  when  the  struggle  was  over.  Besides 
sporting  a  wound  chevron,  his  countenance  is  adorned  by  a  smile  which 
refuses  to  come  off. 


"C"  Company 

Sergeant  Arthur  I.  Clark  came  over  as  a  "buck,"  having  left  his  Montana 
homestead  in  1917.  It  was  in  the  39th's  baptism  of  fire  that  he  earned  his 
first  step  up.  The  lack  of  fear  which  he  displayed  later  in  the  Argonne 
offensive  marked  him  as  a  scrapper  with  few  peers.  "Courage  and  leader- 
ship" stands  out  on  his  D.  S.  C,  which  with  a  wound  chevron  is  fitting 
testimony  of  what  he  did  in  the  big  fight. 


"D"  Company 

First  Sergeant  Ernest  R.  Potter  after  leaving  Tarentum,  Pennsylvania, 
served  eight  years  with  the  Marines.  Snap  sparkles  from  his  brown  eyes ;  if 
their  asking  does  not  get  results,  twelve  years  of  service-hardened  muscles 
will.  Wounded  in  the  Vesle  fighting,  but  refused  to  go  to  the  rear  until 
three  German  counter  attacks  had  been  repulsed.  His  comrades  are  as  proud 
of  their  "top  kicker's"  D.  S.  C.  as  he  is. 


130 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


Corporal  Jeffery  Gibbons 
Sergeant  Arthur  I.  Clark 


Private  William  F.  Krueger 
First  Sergeant  Ernest  R.  Potter 


131 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


"E"  Company 

Sergeant  David  D.  Pollock,  a  Hoosier  from  Peru,  has  been  with  the  39th 
from  the  start.  One  wound  didn't  jar  out  any  of  his  desire  to  close  with 
the  Hun,  so  he  came  back  and  continued  to  set  an  example  of  aggressiveness 
to  his  platoon.  His  efficiency  has  continued  throughout  the  era  of  occupa- 
tion. 


"F"  Company 

Sergeant  William  Howard  left  Pennsylvania  to  serve  his  first  hitch  in  the 
army  in  1905.  Two  years  spent  in  quieting  the  "spies"  in  the  islands.  Has 
been  in  all  the  engagements  with  the  Regiment,  and  had  his  share  of  miracu- 
lous escapes  and  jarringly-close  calls.  He  isn't  the  only  man  of  action  in  the 
Company,  but  the  rest  voted  him  the  "bravest." 


"G"  Company 

Sergeant  Roman  J.  Milewski.  They  knocked  out  his  corporal  in  the  shell- 
splintered  Argonne  before  Milewski  was  given  the  chance  to  show  that  he 
could  handle  seven  men  and  a  couple  of  automatic  rifles.  With  both  his 
carriers  wounded  at  a  critical  stage  of  the  fight,  he  maintained  an  accurate 
fire  on  the  enemy  until  his  company  could  get  in  position  to  be  of  assistance, 
thereby  outlasting  his  ammunition. 


"H"  Company 

Sergeant  Albert  S.  Thompson.  Some  one  planted  a  tree  in  a  convenient 
position  in  "No  Man's  Land"  for  Sergeant  Thompson.  He  sat  against  its 
shell-scarred  trunk  for  two  days  and  put  into  practical  use  all  the  knowledge 
of  drift,  elevation  and  windage  he  had  learned  during  a  year  in  the  army. 
Was  with  "H"  Company  in  all  its  actions. 


132 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Sargeant  David  D.  Pollock 
Sergeant  Roman  J.  Milewski 


Sergeant  William  Howard 
Sergeant  Albert  S.  Thompson 


133 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


"I"  Company 

Corporal  Elry  B.  Scoggins.  From  the  ranks  of  the  Texas  Rangers,  skilled  in 
border  warfare  with  Mexicans  and  lawbreakers.  Distinguished  himself  as  a 
runner  under  heavy  fire  on  the  Ourcq  and  the  Vesle.  Again  in  the  Argonne 
he  won  distinction  when  he  rallied  the  shattered  remnants  of  a  platoon  and 
held  a  front  of  250  yards  until  relieved  the  day  following.  Appointed  Cor- 
poral after  the  Vesle  fighting. 


"K"  Company 

Sergeant  James  H.  Roberts.  Soon  after  the  "jump  off"  on  September  26th, 
a  sniper  got  him  in  the  left  arm.  Though  ordered  back  by  his  Company 
Commander,  Sergeant  Roberts  remained  on  duty,  directing  the  attack  of  his 
platoon  for  two  days,  when  he  was  wounded  in  the  left  knee.  He  again 
chose  to  stick  with  his  badly  shattered,  but  irresistibly  successful  comrades, 
but  was  overruled  and  carried  to  the  rear.  His  conduct  set  such  an  example 
to  his  men  that  they  were  all  delighted  to  see  him  awarded  the  D.  S.  C. 


"L"  Company 

Cook  Vincent  Taragowski,  one  of  our  foreign-born  heroes.  Six  feet  of 
straight,  clean  strength.  Has  been  cook  since  the  Company  was  organized. 
Fed  'em  while  they  fought.  German  shell  fire  kept  his  comrades  from  get- 
ting a  canteen  of  water,  but  Taragowski  pulled  an  unused  water  cart  of  hot 
coffee  up  to  the  men  in  full  view  of  the  astonished  Boche. 


"M"  Company 

Private  Paul  J.  Pappas  entered  the  army  from  Ohio.  In  the  Argonne  fight- 
ing displayed  great  coolness  and  bravery.  As  the  line  was  withdrawing, 
Private  Pappas  saw  the  enemy  forming  for  a  counter  attack  and  refused  to 
withdraw.  Although  subjected  to  a  withering  machine  gun  fire,  by  efficient 
use  of  his  automatic  rifle,  he  held  that  section  of  the  line  for  several  hours. 


134 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Corporal  Elry  B.  Scoggins 
Cook  Vincent  Taragowski 


Sergeant  James  H.  Roberts 
Private  Paul  J.  Pappas 


135 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


Station  Lists  of  Thirty -ninth  Infantry  from 
March  28th  to  July  1st,  1919 


Regimental  Headquarters 

April  7th  Rolandswerth 

April   8th  Haus  Ernich 

(Near  Oberwinter) 

Headquarters  Company 

April  7th  Rolandswerth 

Machine  Gun  Company 

April   6th  Kripp 

April  9th  Rolandseck 

April  11th  Rolandswerth 

April   17th  Rolandseck 

June   18th  _ Bendorf 

June   30th  Rolandseck 

Supply  Company 

April  4th  Neuenahr 

April  8th Unkelbach  Cast  el 

April  11th  Rolandswerth 

"A"  Company 

March    31st   Oldingen 

April  7th  Rolandseck 

May  23rd West  Trier 

June  18th  Bendorf 

"B"  Company 

April  1st  Bendorf 

April  8th  Rolandseck 

May  23rd 

Half  Company  West  Trier 

Half   Company  Cues 

June  2nd,   Entire  Co West   Trier 

June  4th  Belval-Hutte, 

Luxembourg 

Detachment  Dommeldange, 

Luxembourg 
June  12th,  Entire  Co.  ...Belval-Hutte, 

Luxembourg 
June   1 8th  Bendorf 

"C"  Company 

April    2nd    Rolandseck 


May  23rd 

Half  Company  Bitburg 

Half  Company  Brum 

May  30th,  Entire  Co Bitburg 

May  31st  West  Trier 

June  4th  Hallschlag 

June  12th Dommeldange, 

Luxembourg 
June  1 8th  Bendorf 

"D"  Company 

April  4th  Remagen 

April   10th  Rolandseck 

May  23rd  Bitburg 

"E"  Company 

May  5th  Lohndorf 

May  14th  Oberwinter 

May  22nd  Neuenahr 

June  18th 

Half  Company Neuenahr 

Half  Company  Mayen 

"F"  Company 

May    5th    Lohndorf 

May  14th  Unkelbach 

May  22nd  Andernach 

"G"  Company 

May  5th  Lohndorf 

May  14th  Chateau 

(Near  Oberwinter) 

May  22nd   Andernach 

June  18th 

1  Officer  and  30  Men Antwerp, 

Belgium 

1  Officer  and  30  Men Rotterdam, 

Holland 
Remainder  Company  Andernach 

"H"  Company 

May  5th  Ober  Breisig 

May  22nd Oberwinter 

One  Platoon  Bodendorf 


137 


THE       THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


"I"  Company 

April  6th Ahrweiler 

Detachments  Geisdorf, 

Fritzdorf,  Neuenahr 

April    13th    Oberivinter 

May  22nd  Kripp 

June  3rd Sinzig 

June  30th Coblentz-Luetzel 


"K"  Company 

March  28th  Neuenahr 

Detachments  Geisdorf, 

Walporzheim,  Kreuzberg, 

Reimerzhofen,  Marienthal 

April   14th  Rolandseck 


May  21st 

Half  Company  Rolandseck 

Half   Company  Sinzig 

May  22nd,  Entire  Co Sinzig 

June  18th Coblentz-Luetzel 

"L"  Company 

April  3rd Franken 

April  7th  Nieder  Breisig 

April    12th    Oberwinter 

May  24th  May  en 

June  19th  Coblentz-Neuendorf 

"M"  Company 

April   5th Kripp 

April    13th    Oberwinter 

M  ay  25th  May  en 

June  4th  Coblentz 


138 


CHAPTKkUX 


Occupation  of  Germany 

IN  performing  our  duties,  we  were  determined  to  treat  our 
defeated  enemy  with  fairness  and  justice  at  all  times.  Hereto- 
fore we  had  been  fighting  a  violent,  armed  enemy,  one  who 
had  contested  strongly  every  foot  of  ground  over  which  we 
advanced.  Now  we  were  in  their  country,  peopled  only  by 
civilians,  and  mainly  old  men,  women  and  children.  Contrary 
to  the  methods  of  occupation  of  Belgium  and  Northern  France 
by  the  German  Armies,  we  felt  it  incumbent  on  us  to  be  strictly 
guided  by  the  principles  of  international  law,  justice,  honor  and 
humanity.  The  behavior  of  our  troops  towards  these  people 
was  remarkable.  There  was  no  fraternization;  a  state  of  war 
still  existed;  and  all  our  dealings  with  them  were  of  a  purely 
businesslike  nature. 

Outside  of  certain  restrictions,  the  Germans  were  governed  by 
their  own  civil  authorities.  We  established  an  Office  in  Charge 
of  Civil  Affairs,  and  our  Provost  and  Inferior  Courts  admin- 
istered justice  to  those  who  violated  our  regulations. 

The  civilians  in  the  occupied  territory  were  greatly  relieved 
by  our  presence.  They  had  just  reasons  to  be  afraid  of  the  Spar- 
tacist  and  Bolshevik  movements  which  were  rapidly  spreading 
over  the  country.  Interior  Germany  was  in  a  state  of  turmoil 
and  revolution,  which  meant  destruction  of  government,  life 
and  property.  With  our  army  in  their  midst,  they  were  safe 
from  these  evils. 

While  the  people  were  at  first  bitterly  disappointed  at  the 
outcome  of  the  war,  they  gradually  became  reconciled  to  the 
inevitable.  The  children,  with  the  freedom  of  youth  which 
knows  no  cares,  took  a  great  liking  to  our  troops,  and  attached 
themselves  to  our  camps.  Instilled  by  the  habit  of  militarism, 
they  quickly  learned  the  American  salute  and  were  always  on  the 
job  to  salute  all  our  officers.     One  particular  youngster  whose 

139 


THE 

THIRTY- 

■NINTH 

INFANTRY 

I  N 

THE 

WORLD 

WAR 

r    » 

-i 

Upper:  German  civilians  watching  with  interest  the  arrival  of  our  transport. 
Lower:  The  doughboys'  toilette  on  the  march  into  Germany. 


I4O 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

photograph  appears  on  a  preceding  page  was  especially  vigilant 
in  this  respect  and  proved  to  be  a  great  favorite  with  Colonel 
Bolles.  On  the  whole  we  found  the  population  in  American- 
occupied  Germany  to  be  orderly  and  not  unfriendly  to  us. 

That  our  administration  was  just  and  the  behavior  of  our 
troops  beyond  any  criticism  is  evidenced  by  the  following  com- 
munication sent  to  Colonel  Bolles  by  the  Burgomeister  of  Kem- 
penich,  Germany: 


Kempenich,  April  3,  1919. 
His  Highness 
Colonel  Bolles 

KEMPENICH. 

I  will  take  pleasure  before  you  leave  our  city  to  express  the  deepest 
thanks  for  your  wise  and  just  treatment  towards  the  people  and  I  assure 
you  that  His  Highness  has  gained  the  deepest  respect. 

It  is  my  sincere  desire  that  the  people  of  Remagen  and  Rolandseck 
may  receive  the  same  just  treatment  and  also  that  your  successor  in 
Kempenich  may  treat  us  as  well  as  you  have  done. 

Very  respectfully, 

{Signed)  Busch. 


While  in  France  we  occupied  such  areas  as  were  necessary 
by  cause  of  military  reasons.  Nearly  all  these  were  in  the  de- 
vastated regions,  and  naturally  the  quarters  in  our  training  areas 
were  poor.  However,  we  were  now  in  German  territory  which 
had  escaped  destruction  and  all  outward  effects  of  war.  We 
requisitioned  such  of  their  public  and  private  buildings  as  were 
necessary  for  our  use,  and  settled  ourselves  comfortably.  New 
clothing  and  equipment  was  issued,  and  life  took  on  a  different 
phase  from  that  in  or  near  the  lines. 

Besides  performing  the  usual  guard  duties,  we  resumed  a 
course  of  training  which  took  in  all  the  phases  of  our  arm.  Con- 
siderable time  was  devoted  to  infantry  drill;  target  practice  was 
held  on  an  excellent  range  which  we  constructed  near  Weibern; 
problems  and  maneuvers  of  every  nature  were  conducted  fre- 
quently, and  we  "captured"  every  town,  village,  hill  and  strong 
point  in  the  vicinity;  specialists'  schools  were  established;  and 
parades  and  reviews  were  held  occasionally. 

141 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


ARMY  OF  OCCUPATION  - 


TZBSfUL,  JEOT 


142 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

The  system  of  education  inaugurated  throughout  the  A.  E.  F. 
was  received  with  great  enthusiasm  by  all  ranks.  Within  the 
regiment  schools  were  conducted  for  illiterates,  and  strict  attend- 
ance was  required  of  them.  Enrollment  was  voluntary  in  the 
classes  in  French,  German,  Advanced  English,  History,  Geog- 
raphy, Mathematics,  and  other  subjects.  This  regiment  also  fur- 
nished one  officer  and  a  number  of  men  as  instructors  and  students 
for  the  Division  Educational  Center,  where  extensive  courses 
were  conducted  in  various  academic  and  vocational  subjects. 
Selected  officers  and  men  were  sent  to  the  American  E.  F.  Uni- 
versity at  Beaunne  (Cote  D'or),  France,  and  to  British  and 
French  universities.  Thus  many  men  were  afforded  excellent  op- 
portunities to  improve  their  education  and  become  better  pre- 
pared to  resume  their  civil  pursuits. 

A  good  deal  of  time  was  devoted  to  athletics,  in  which  nearly 
every  member  of  the  command  participated.  Football,  basket- 
ball, baseball  and  track  teams  were  organized  and  the  competi- 
tions evoked  great  interest  among  all  ranks.  The  spirit  of 
friendly  rivalry  showed  fine  results  in  platoon  competitions,  the 
selection  of  the  cleanest  kitchens,  horse  shows,  and  target 
practice. 

Boxing  bouts  and  entertainments  were  held  at  frequent  inter- 
vals throughout  the  regimental  area.  Professional  entertainers 
in  the  service  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  soldiers  from  our  and 
neighboring  units  presented  their  specialties  before  large 
and  appreciative  audiences  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  buildings  and 
company  mess  halls.  The  ever  popular  "movies"  also  helped  to 
pass  the  evening  hours  pleasantly. 


H3 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


PERSHING  LOOKS  US  OVER- 


\pnpxNG  izG&mr  ^JoTje^e,  zz&ss  Ljjxe,-\ 


144 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

OUR  Regiment  sent  about  two  hundred  men  weekly  to 
Leave  Areas  in  France,  where  the  lucky  doughboys 
enjoyed  from  seven  to  ten  days'  sojourn  with  all  expenses 
paid  by  the  Government.  Leaves  for  fourteen  days  were  granted 
to  officers  and  men  to  visit  Great  Britain,  Italy  and  France,  and 
permission  to  spend  three  days  in  Paris  was  given  to  all  ranks 
who  had  the  means  and  desire  to  go  there.  This  liberal  system 
of  leaves  enabled  many  to  see  parts  of  the  Old  World  other 
than  the  shell  torn  and  war  worn  districts;  while  those  who 
had  relatives  and  friends  here  had  an  opportunity  to  visit  them. 

On  February  3rd,  1919,  the  Regiment  was  assembled  near 
Weibern,  where  the  Division  Commander,  Major  General 
Mark  L.  Hersey,  decorated  the  Regimental  Colors  and  Colonel 
Bolles  with  the  Croix  de  Guerre  with  Gold  Star.  These  awards 
were  made  by  the  French  Government  for  the  splendid  action  of 
the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry,  under  command  of  Colonel  Bolles,  on 
July  1 8th,  191 8,  in  capturing  the  Buisson  de  Cresnes  and  the  vil- 
lage of  Noroy. 

On  March  18th,  1919,  the  Commander-in-Chief,  General 
John  J.  Pershing,  inspected  and  reviewed  our  division  near 
Buchel,  and  at  the  same  time  presented  the  Distinguished  Serv- 
ice Cross  to  Colonel  Bolles  and  to  several  other  officers  and  men 
of  the  Regiment.  In  order  to  participate  in  this  ceremony,  we 
marched  for  two  days  in  very  inclement  wTeather,  and  bivouacked 
at  night.  During  the  entire  night  and  morning  preceding  the 
review  a  heavy  snowstorm  fell,  making  our  camping  place,  the 
roads,  and  the  inspection  field  itself  practically  a  sea  of  mud. 
However5  despite  these  obstacles,  we  presented  a  magnificent 
appearance,  and  were  highly  complimented  by  the  Commander- 
in-Chief,  the  Army,  Corps,  Division,  Brigade  and  Regimental 
Commanders.  On  the  night  of  the  18th  we  again  bivouacked, 
and  returned  to  our  billets  the  following  day  in  motor  trucks, 
which  Brigadier  General  Poore  personally  obtained  for  us. 


145 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

The  following  written  commendations  on  the  inspection  and 
review  are  quoted: 


AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 
OFFICE  OF  THE  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 

France,  March  25th,  1919. 
Major  General  Mark  L.  Hersey, 
Commanding  4th  Division,  A.  E.  F. 
Germany. 

My  dear  General  Hersey: 

It  is  with  deep  gratification  that  I  observed  the  excellent  condition  of 
the  Fourth  Division  on  the  occasion  of  my  inspection  on  March  18th. 
The  transportation  and  the  artillery  of  the  Division  were  in  splendid 
shape  and  the  general  appearance  of  the  men  was  equal  to  the  highest 
standards.  Throughout  the  inspection  and  review,  the  high  morale  exist- 
ing in  all  ranks  was  evident. 

Arriving  in  France  in  May,  the  Fourth  Division  was  first  engaged  in 
the  Maine  counter  offensive  on  July  18th  as  a  part  of  the  French  VI 
Army.  Detachments  aided  in  the  crossing  of  the  Ourcq  and  on  August 
3-4  the  Division  advanced  to  the  Vesle.  In  the  reduction  of  the  St.  Mi- 
hiel  salient,  it  carried  its  objectives  with  effectiveness  and  precision.  For 
the  open  attack  of  the  Meuse-Argonne  offensive,  the  Fourth  Division  was 
put  into  the  line  as  the  center  unit  of  the  Third  Corps  and  by  its  aggres- 
siveness made  a  total  advance  of  13  kilometers  despite  continued  and 
heavy  resistance. 

As  part  of  the  Third  Army,  the  Division  participated  in  the  march 
into  Germany  and  the  subsequent  occupation  of  enemy  territory.  I  am 
pleased  to  mention  the  excellent  conduct  of  the  men  in  these  difficult 
circumstances,  for  which,  as  well  as  for  their  services  in  battle,  they 
are  due  the  gratitude  of  the  nation. 

I  wish  to  express  to  each  man  my  own  appreciation  of  the  splendid 
work  that  has  been  done  and  the  assurance  of  my  continued  interest  in 
his  welfare. 

Most  sincerely  yours, 

John  J.  Persuing. 


146 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

HEADQUARTERS  FOURTH  DIVISION 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

Memorandum  Germany,  25  March,  1919. 

No.  32 

1.  With  just  pride  and  deep  satisfaction,  the  Division  Commander 
publishes  the  following  communication : 

"ARMY  OF  OCCUPATION" 

THIRD  U.  S.  ARMY, 

OFFICE  OF  CHIEF  OF  STAFF, 

Coblentz,  Germany,  March  19,  1919. 
From:    Chief  of  Staff,  Third  Army,  American  E.  F. 
To:    Commanding  General,  Fourth  Corps,  American  E.  F. 
Subject:    Commendation. 

1.  The  Army  Commander  directs  me  to  congratulate  the  Command- 
ing General  of  the  Fourth  Corps  on  the  condition  and  appearance  of  the 
Fourth  Corps  troops  and  the  Third  and  Fourth  Divisions  during  the 
recent  inspections  by  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

2.  The  condition  of  these  troops  is  the  direct  reflection  of  the  intel- 
ligent work  they  have  done  in  training  and  instruction  in  spite  of  adverse 
conditions  since  the  arrival  in  their  present  areas. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  Dickman: 

Malin  Craig, 
Brigadier  General,  U.  S.  A.,  Chief  of  Staff. 

1st  Ind. 
Headquarters  IV  Army  Corps,  American  E.  F.,  March  23,   1919, 
To  Commanding  General,  4th  Division. 

1.  Official  copy  furnished  to  C.  G.,  4th  Division. 

2.  The  Corps  Commander  directs  me  to  inform  you  -that  it  gives 
him  great  pleasure  to  transmit  to  you  the  congratulations  of  the  Army 
Commander  and  to  say  that  he  appreciates  the  fact  that  nothing  but  the 
continuous  and  energetic  efforts  of  the  Division  Commander  and  the  loyal 
support  of  his  subordinates  could  have  brought  your  Division  to  its 
present  high  standard  of  efficiency. 

B.  H.  Wells,  Chief  of  Staff. 

3.  This  memorandum  will  be  read  to  all  organizations  of  the  Divi- 
sion and  then  posted  on  bulletin  boards  for  three  days. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  Hersey: 

C.  A.  Bach, 

Colonel,  General  Staff,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Official: 

Max  B.  Garber,  Lt.  Col.  58th  Infantry,  Acting  Adjutant. 

H7 


THE      THIRTY- NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


HEADQUARTERS  FOURTH  DIVISION 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

Germany,  22  March,  1919. 
General  Orders 

No.  17. 

1.  It  is  with  pride  and  gratification  that  the  Division  Commander 
publishes  the  praise  accorded  the  4th  Division  by  the  Commander-in- 
Chief  on  the  occasion  of  his  inspection  and  review,  March  18th.  Not 
only  did  the  Commander-in-Chief  privately  express  his  complete  satisfac- 
tion but  publicly,  in  his  address  after  the  review,  he  complimented  the 
Division  on  the  splendid  condition  of  its  transport  and  the  personnel  on 
its  appearance.  He  stated  that  the  Division  was  "magnificent" ;  that  it 
was  "second  to  none  in  the  A.  E.  F." 

2.  To  these  commendations  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,  the  Divi- 
sion Commander  desires  to  add  his  own  appreciation,  not  only  of  the 
wonderful  showing  made  by  the  Division  at  the  inspection  and  review, 
but  of  the  bigger  thing  behind  it — the  Divisional  spirit  that  made  such  a 
showing  possible.  The  superb  condition  of  transport  and  material  and 
the  fine  appearance  of  the  men  on  this  occasion  is  merely  another  mani- 
festation of  the  same  spirit  that  impelled  the  Division  to  be  the  first  to 
cross  the  Vesle;  that  kept  it  in  the  fighting  line  for  twenty-four  con- 
secutive days  in  the  Meuse-Argonne  campaign  and  held  its  lines  farther 
advanced  than  those  of  any  other  American  Division.  It  is  the  same 
spirit  that  spoke  through  an  artillery  soldier,  who,  while  cleaning  the 
wheel  of  a  gun  carriage  on  the  morning  of  March  18th,  called  out  to 
another  soldier,  "Well,  by  God,  they  don't  hang  anything  on  this 
Battery."  It  is  the  same  spirit  that  made  men  willing  to  bivouac  in  the 
cold  and  rain;  that  made  them  wake  up  in  the  morning  with  a  grin 
and  again  go  it.  It  grips  the  new  man  shortly  after  he  joins  and  stays 
with  him  long  after  he  has  left  the  Division.  It  is  dauntless,  deathless. 
It  makes  all  things  possible.  For  this  magnificent  Divisional  pride,  for 
this  esprit  de  corps  which,  transcending  all  personal  consideration,  binds 
men  together  for  a  common  purpose,  the  Division  Commander  thanks 
every  officer  and  man. 

3.  This  order  will  be  read  to  all  units  of  the  Division  and  then 
posted  on  Bulletin  Board  for  three  days. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  Hersey: 

C.  A.  Bach, 
Colonel,  General  Staff,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Official: 
Max  B.  Garber,  Lt.  Col.  58th  Infantry,  Acting  Adjutant. 


148 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


HEADQUARTERS  SEVENTH  INFANTRY  BRIGADE 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

Germany,  21st  March,  1919. 
From:    Commanding  General,  7th  Infantry  Brigade, 
To:    C.  O.,  39th  Infantry,  47th  Infantry,  11th  M.  G.  Bn. 
Subject:    Appearance  of  Units  of  the  Brigade  at  the  Recent  Inspection 
and  Review  of  the  4th  Division. 

1.  I  wish  to  record  my  gratification  at  the  results  of  the  inspection 
made  on  the  18th  inst.  by  the  Commander-in-Chief;  at  the  splendid 
appearance  of  officers,  men,  equipment  and  transportation;  and  at  the 
performance  of  all  the  units  of  the  Brigade  during  the  formation  and 
ceremonies. 

2.  These  results  are  especially  pleasing  in  view  of  the  fact  that  all 
units  had  marched  two  days  under  trying  conditions,  to  reach  the  field 
where  the  formation  was  held;  and  that  all  had  spent  the  preceding 
night  in  bivouac  in  a  violent  snowstorm. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th  the  field  was  covered  with  snow,  which 
had  partly  melted  at  the  hour  set  for  the  review,  and  the  field  was 
slushy  and  muddy.  The  day  was  cold  and  a  strong  wind  in  the  faces  of 
the  men  added  to  their  discomforts. 

3.  To  make  so  excellent  an  appearance  under  these  conditions,  called 
for  a  display  of  good  will,  discipline,  and  team-work,  that  can  come  only 
from  organizations  that  have  been  well  trained  and  are  imbued  with  the 
feeling  that  they  have  no  superiors  in  the  American  Expeditionary  Forces. 

4.  The  Commander-in-Chief  in  his  address  to  the  troops  left  no 
doubt  in  their  minds  that  he  considered  the  4th  Division  second  to  none 
in  his  command ;  and  certain  correspondents  present,  who  said  they  had 
seen  all  the  American  Divisions,  stated  to  me  that  the  7th  Brigade  was 
the  finest  they  had  seen. 

5.  I  wish  to  convey  to  all  organizations  my  pride  and  satisfaction 
that  this  Brigade  made  such  a  splendid  showing;  and  at  the  same  time 
to  remind  them  that  every  effort  must  be  made,  not  only  to  maintain, 
but  to  improve  the  high  standard  already  set,  in  order  that  they  may 
have  firm  foundation  for  the  belief  that  each  forms  a  part  of  the  finest 
Brigade  and  Division  in  the  American  Army. 

6.  You  will  please  cause  this  communication  to  be  read  to  each 
organization  at  the  first  assembly  after  its  receipt. 

B.  A.  Poore, 
Brigadier  General,  U.  S.  A.}  Commanding. 


149 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


HEADQUARTERS  THIRTY-NINTH  INFANTRY 
AMERICAN  EXPEDITIONARY  FORCES 

Germany,  20  March,  1919. 
Memorandum : 

The  following  memorandum  will  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  all 
soldiers  of  this  command  : 

"The  Regimental  Commander  takes  great  pleasure  in  being  able  to 
commend  the  officers  and  men  of  this  Regiment  for  the  excellent  showing 
that  was  made  by  them  at  the  recent  review.  I  have  heard  nothing  but 
words  of  praise  in  regard  to  their  performances.  They  have  again  dem- 
onstrated that  they  are  not  only  a  good  fighting  regiment,  but  they  are 
equally  good  at  maneuvers  and  parades.  The  Brigade  Commander  felt 
so  much  gratitude  at  their  performances  that  he  personally  secured  trucks 
to  return  them  to  their  billets  instead  of  having  them  march  back. 

It  is  almost  needless  for  me  to  say  that  the  regiment  will  continue 
to  build  up  and  preserve  their  excellent  reputation  in  every  respect." 

F.  C.  Bolles, 
Colonel,  3Qth  Infantry,  Commanding. 


I50 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


THE.   PLAY'S     THE!   THING    — 


151 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


BEGINNING  with  March  28th  our  units  commenced  to 
take  over  the  duties  and  area  of  the  Forty-second  Division 
in  the  Kreis  of  Ahrweiler.  After  moving  about  for  two 
weeks,*  the  Regiment  took  station  in  the  towns  of  Roland swerth, 
Rolandseck,  and  Oberwtnter*  with  Regimental  Headquarters  at 
Haus  Ernich,  near  Oberisointer.  This  area,  situated  along  the 
left  bank  of  the  Rhine,  is  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  historic 
sections  of  Europe.  It  is  justly  termed  the  Riviera  of  Germany. 
As  most  of  these  towns  are  summer  resorts,  the  billeting  accom- 
modations were  the  best  we  had  had  since  our  sojourn  in  Europe. 
The  spacious  and  comfortable  hotels  afforded  our  troops  such 
luxuries  as  they  had  not  enjoyed  for  many  months. 

As  a  further  example  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  we  were 
regarded  by  the  German  population,  many  delegations  from  the 
Kempenich  area  visited  us  after  we  got  settled  in  our  new 
stations. 

As  the  northern  edge  of  Rolandsiverth  marked  the  boundary 
between  the  American  and  British  occupied  territories,  we  main- 
tained a  barrier  guard  at  that  point  to  examine  all  passes  of 
those  entering  or  leaving  our  area.  It  was  while  engaged  in 
this  duty,  that  on  April  8th,  Corporal  Fred  Staton  of  "C"  Com- 
pany was  hit  by  a  speeding  British  automobile  which  did  not 
stop,  either  to  show  passes,  or  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the 
injuries  of  the  victim  of  the  accident.  Corporal  Staton,  who  had 
survived  the  many  dangers  of  being  in  action  with  the  Regiment, 
died  a  short  time  later  in  the  hospital  at  Neuenahr. 

A  railroad  guard  was  operated  at  Rolandseck  and  Remagen 
to  enforce  travel  regulations  and  prevent  the  transporting  of 
food  out  of  our  territory.  A  strict  watch  was  kept  on  the  Rhine, 
and  no  water  craft  was  permitted  to  cross  into  the  neutral  zone 
or  to  land  on  our  side  without  proper  authority. 

After  getting  settled  we  resumed  training.  Excellent  prog- 
ress was  made  in  target  practice,  to  which  considerable  time 
was  devoted.  Two  very  good  rifle  ranges  were  available  for  our 
use  near  Bendorf;  one  constructed  by  our  troops,  and  the  other 
by  the  Fifty-second  Division  during  its  occupation  of  this  area. 
All  our  previous  activities  in  athletics,  educational  and  voca- 
tional schools,  entertainments  and  leaves,  were  continued; 
and  every  available  means  used  to  make  our  stay  in  Germany 
as  profitable  and  enjoyable  as  conditions  would  permit. 

*  See  Station  Lists,  Page  137. 


152 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

On  April  28th  the  Seventh  and  Eighth  Infantry  Brigades 
(Less  Fifty-ninth  Infantry)  were  assembled  near  Remagen  for 
decoration  ceremonies  and  review.  Major  General  Hersey 
decorated  the  Regimental  Colors  with  ribbons  commemorative 
of  our  engagements  during  the  war,  and  presented  the  Dis- 
tinguished Service  Cross  to  Private  Joe  Smith,  of  "C"  Company. 

On  the  5th  of  May  the  regiment  was  reunited  by  the  return 
of  the  Second  Battalion,  which  had  been  on  duty  at  Coblentz  and 
Coblentz-Luetzel  since  December  8th,  1918.  "E,"  "F"  and  "G" 
Companies  took  station  at  Lohndorf,  and  "H"  Company  at  Ober 
Breisig. 

Great  joy  was  manifested  throughout  the  division  when 
orders  were  received  on  May  12th  relieving  us  from  duty  with 
the  Third  Army  and  being  assigned  for  an  early  return  home. 
Definite  orders  were  later  received  for  this  regiment  to  com- 
mence its  movement  by  rail  to  St.  Nazaire  on  May  27th.  Within 
a  few  days  after  receipt  of  orders,  the  many  necessary  prepar- 
ations were  made;  animals,  transportation  and  equipment  turned 
in;  service  records,  passenger  and  baggage  lists  and  many  other 
reports  and  records  completed;  physical  and  field  inspections 
held  daily.  Every  one  was  in  readiness  for  the  move  homewards, 
and  while  waiting  for  the  happy  day  to  come,  daylight  passes 
were  granted  liberally  to  visit  for  the  last  time  Coblentz,  Bonn, 
Cologne,  and  other  places  in  the  vicinity. 

But — 


153 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


154 


On  Duty  as  Army  Troops 

ON  May  20th,  one  week  before  the  date  set  for  the  com- 
mencement of  our  movement  to  St.  Nazaire,  orders  were 
received  reassigning  the  Fourth  Division  to  the  Army  of 
Occupation.  At  the  same  time  the  four  Infantry  Regiments 
were  detached  from  the  Division  and  attached  to  the  Third  Army 
as  Army  Troops,  relieving  Pioneer  Infantry  Regiments  which 
had  been  ordered  to  return  to  the  United  States. 

While  the  troops  naturally  felt  disappointed  at  this  new  order 
of  events,  much  to  their  credit  and  to  the  credit  of  the  Thirty- 
ninth  Infantry,  they  displayed  a  wonderful  spirit  of  willingness 
and  soldierly  qualities  which  elicited  unstinted  praise  from 
many  sources.  It  is  true  that  the  men  were  very  anxious  to  return 
to  their  homeland,  especially  when  they  had  received  orders  to 
that  effect  but  a  few  days  previously.  However,  if  they  were  re- 
quired for  further  duty  in  the  American  E.  F.  before  they  could 
be  spared  for  return  homewards,  they  were  ready  and  more  than 
willing  to  perform  such  duties  as  they  were  called  upon. 

In  accordance  with  orders  from  Third  Army  Headquarters, 
Regimental  Headquarters  and  the  special  units  remained  at  their 
stations,  while  the  remainder  of  the  Regiment  moved  during 
May  21st  to  May  25th  to  the  following  stations  :*  First  Battalion 
at  West  Trier,  Cues,  Bitburg  and  Prum;  Second  Battalion  at 
Neuenahr,  Andernach,  Oberwinter  and  Bodendorf ;  Third  Bat- 
talion at  Kripp,  Sinzig  and  Mayen.  The  Regiment  was  thus 
spread  over  an  area  of  more  than  200  kilometers.  In  some  in- 
stances companies  had  some  of  their  men  in  one  station  and  the 
remainder  in  another  town  many  kilometers  apart. 

Our  duties  were  numerous.  Guard,  military  police  work, 
convoying  trains  and  barges,  dismounting  and  crating  field 
artillery  pieces,  and  fatigue,  constituted  but  a  few  of  those  per- 

*  See  Station  Lists,  Page  137. 

i5S 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


YOU    M/V  REMEMBER  — 


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TH£?OW  -A  <SO  TTUUSL   GJiXT   TKTTO 
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XXNEE.     Tt>   TWOS    <P1T$. 


i56 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

formed  by  our  men.  Upon  the  completion  of  the  work  assigned 
to  us  at  any  of  our  stations,  we  moved  to  other  places,  with  the 
result  that  it  was  necessary  to  get  out  new  station  lists  almost 
every  other  day.  The  Thirty-ninth  Infantry  was-  stationed  in 
many  parts  of  Germany,  Luxembourg;  one  officer  and  thirty  men 
at  Antwerp,  Belgium;  a  similar  detachment  at  Rotterdam,  Hol- 
land; and  two  men  at  Kaldenkirchen,  Germany,  on  the  German- 
Holland  frontier.  The  train  convoys  carried  some  of  our  men 
through  many  sections  of  France.  In  the  middle  of  June,  the 
Forty-seventh,  Fifty-eight  and  Fifty-ninth  Infantry  Regiments 
were  returned  to  the  Division,  but  our  Regiment  still  remained 
on  duty  as  Army  Troops. 

There  was  an  excellent  reason  for  this.  Whenever  the  Thirty- 
ninth  doughboys  were  on  duty,  they  not  only  kept  up  but  even 
strengthened  the  fine  reputation  of  the  Regiment;  and  were 
highly  complimented,  by  the  officers  who  supervised  their  work, 
for  their  excellent  discipline,  willingness  and  efficiency.  Hence 
when  there  was  still  considerable  work  to  be  done,  the  Thirty- 
ninth  Infantry  was  chosen  to  do  it. 

On  June  26th  our  Regiment  experienced  another  disappoint- 
ment when  orders  were  received  for  the  Fourth  Division,  Less 
the  Thirty-ninth  Infantry,  to  prepare  at  once  for  transportation 
to  Brest,  there  to  embark  for  the  United  States.  We  were  to  re- 
main and  continue  our  duties  as  Army  Troops.  Indications 
pointed  to  the  fact  that  our  Regiment  was  to  be  among  the  last 
units  of  the  American  E.  F.  to  return  home.  Keen  as  this  disap- 
pointment was,  and  coming  as  it  did  at  a  time  when  the  other 
units  of  the  Ivy  Division  were  under  orders  to  move  homewards, 
it  is  very  difficult  to  find  appropriate  words  to  express  properly 
the  grand  spirit  which  our  troops  manifested  at  this  time.  Real- 
izing the  honor  of  being  chosen  for  the  important  work  assigned 
to  it,  pride  and  joy  replaced  the  feelings  of  disappointment. 
However,  in  order  to  release  those  men  whose  presence  was 
urgently  required  at  home,  Colonel  Bolles  caused  the  transfer  of 
285  men  from  this  organization  to  the  Forty-seventh  Infantry. 
These  men  left  the  Regiment  with  mingled  feelings  of  joy  and 
sorrow;  joy  at  the  bright  prospect  of  being  home  in  the  very  near 
future,  where  they  were  needed  for  reasons  beyond  their  control, 
and  sorrow  for  finding  it  necessary  to  sever  themselves  from  their 
beloved  organization.  As  a  matter  of  fact  some  of  those  chosen 
for  transfer  withdrew  their  applications,  and  decided  to  take 
their  chances  remaining  with  the  Regiment,  hoping  that  it,  too, 
would  be  homeward  bound  in  but  a  few  weeks. 

157 


THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 

On  that  memorable  day  of  June  28th,  when  Peace  Treaty 
was  finally  signed,  the  units  of  the  Fourth  Division  made  the 
final  preparations  for  their  movement  to  Brest,  and  the  Thirty- 
ninth  was  ready  to  give  a  hearty  send-off  to  our  fellow  soldiers 
who  were  about  to  leave  us.  However,  on  the  first  of  July  this 
Regiment  received  orders  to  the  effect  that  the  Eighth  Infantry 
had  been  ordered  to  relieve  us,  and  upon  completion  of  the  re- 
lief we  were  to  prepare  for  immediate  return  to  the  United 
States.  It  goes  without  saying  that  this  news  was  joyfully  re- 
ceived by  all  ranks,  and  while  we  were  willing  enough  to  remain 
here  for  some  time  if  called  upon  to  do  so,  we  were  more  than 
willing  to  return  home. 

The  Fourth  of  July,  1919,  was  celebrated  in  an  entirely  dif- 
ferent manner  than  the  Independence  Day  of  1918.  The  bat- 
talions staged  athletic  meets  in  the  morning;  and  pie-eating  con- 
tests, wrestling  and  boxing  bouts,  concerts  and  entertainments 
were  held  in  the  afternoon  and  evening.  They  had  games  and 
festivals  of  their  own,  while  the  special  units  got  together  and 
besides  playing  baseball  and  partaking  in  athletics,  held  spirited 
competitions  of  almost  every  nature  conceivable. 

It  was  not  until  the  latter  part  of  July  that  the  relief  of  our 
Regiment  was  completed  by  the  Eighth  Infantry.  On  July  22nd 
we  entrained  for  Brest,  and  started  the  beginning  of  the  end  of 
our  career  with  the  American  Expeditionary  Forces.  Several 
days  were  spent  at  Camp  Pontanezan  awaiting  the  arrival  of  our 
transport.  While  here  Colonel  Bolles  received  the  French  deco- 
ration, Officier  de  la  Legion  d'Honneur;  and  Capt.  R.  W.  Nor- 
ton and  others  the  Chevalier  de  la  Legion  d'Honneur.  On  July 
31st  we  boarded  the  Leviathan  and  began  the  long  looked  for- 
ward to  journey  home. 


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THE      THIRTY-NINTH       INFANTRY      IN       THE      WORLD      WAR 


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THE      THIRTY-NINTH      INFANTRY      IN      THE      WORLD      WAR 


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